Therapist explains how viral divorce graph is wrongly interpreted to claim women are bad at relationshipsDivorces are most common in same-sex female couples. This has led to many falsely claiming that women are the problem in relationships, explains Jeff. Published on: Mar 31
Tottenham are closing in on the appointment of Roberto de Zerbi as head coach. Should the former Brighton boss agree a deal - as is expected - he would have seven games to save the club from relegation to the Championship. That means in two months' time
VinFast is preparing to launch its first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in India by mid-April, marking its entry into the country’s growing electric vehicle segment. VinFast is preparing to launch its first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in India by mid-April
Employee shares how boss was laid off after 8 years at a company without warning: 'Companies look after themselves'Internet reacted after a man revealed his boss was abruptly fired despite years of service. Updated on: Mar 31, 2026 5:06 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A post on
India’s relationship with fragrance is ancient, intimate, and profoundly sophisticated. Long before perfume became a global industry, long before it was bottled, branded, advertised, and sold in department stores, fragrance in India was understood as a lived technology-deeply embedded in medicine
Could the US interest rate cut boost the housing market?
Could the US interest rate cut boost the housing market?
Aileen Barrameda is planning to buy a house in Los Angeles in the coming months. Stubbornly high mortgage rates - twice what she locked in at the start of the coronavirus pandemic - are not putting her off.
"If I have the means to get in the market, I might as well get in now, because homes are just going to get more expensive," Aileen said.
The cost of housing is a key concern among Americans and a political talking point. US President Donald Trump had raised hopes that interest rate cuts from the Fed would help Americans get mortgages.
The average rate on the 30-year mortgage, the most popular home loan in the US, fell to 6.35% last week, according to Freddie Mac. This marked the largest weekly decline in the past year and the lowest level in 11 months.
However, for buyers like Aileen, borrowing costs are not guaranteed to come down much more than they already have despite the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut on Wednesday.
The Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions do not directly affect mortgage rates. But they do affect what banks charge each other to borrow money.
That then influences what banks charge their own customers for loans such as mortgages as well as the interest rate they pay on savings.
However, US banks had already cut mortgage rates in anticipation of the Fed rate cut that happened this week, meaning mortgage rates may not fall much further. Prospective home buyers waiting for substantially more easing might be disappointed.
Fed chair Jerome Powell, speaking to journalists on Wednesday, said as much.
"Most analysts think it would have to be pretty big change in rates to matter a lot for the housing sector," he said, while acknowledging that lower interest rates might boost demand and help builders.
Meanwhile, the risk of rising inflation could push mortgage rates up if banks anticipate this means the Fed will not cut rates any further any time soon. The Fed and other central banks tend to avoid cutting borrowing costs up if they feel inflation is too high.
"I do think that people are expecting a big impact from this," said Nicole Stewart, a real estate agent with Redfin in Boise, Idaho, referring to the Fed's rate cut this week.
I've been trying to inform most of my buyers, as well as my sellers, that we've already seen the majority of what's going to happen.
Ms Stewart said a fall in mortgage rates over the past month has encouraged some buyers. Over the span of just one weekend earlier this month, Ms Stewart wrote four offers and put three deals under contract.
"A huge increase from anything in past few years", she said.
But the US housing market remains unaffordable for many people. That issue is unlikely to be resolved by future Fed decisions, or by the recent dip in mortgage rates.
Many homeowners secured unusually low mortgage rates - in the 3% range - at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, which they are hesitant to give up by selling their home. As such, homeowners who might otherwise downsize are choosing to stay put, reducing the amount of housing available for purchase and driving up home prices.
Roughly 80% of mortgage borrowers have locked in a rate below the current average of 6.35%, said Julia Fonseca, an associate finance professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
While every decline in mortgage rates helps loosen the market a little bit, there are no signs of substantial relief on the horizon, Ms Fonseca said.
"We might be still a long way from normalising these markets," she said.
Kristin Carlson, a prospective first-time buyer in the Boise area, has been scoping out the market for four years, while renting in the meantime.
For Kristin, easing mortgage rates in recent weeks means she is "just that much closer to pulling the trigger". She said she is eager to purchase soon, to get ahead of a possible scenario in which rates fall substantially further, spurring more competition.
Borrowing costs are factoring into Ms Carlson's thinking when it comes to the type of home that is feasible for her to purchase - the neighbourhood, the size, the quality of the builder.
Still, mortgage rates are taking a backseat to other considerations, including seasonality and finding a home that is the right fit for her needs.
Modestly lower mortgage rates are offering some relief and spurring activity among buyers, said Matt Vernon, the head of consumer lending at Bank of America. But bigger picture, the dip is not set to be enough to fix a housing market under strain.
"There's cautious optimism that we're headed in the right direction," Mr Vernon said.
I don't think it's necessarily changed buyers' perception of the challenges in the market, but it's certainly got their attention.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Los Angeles fires US District Judge blocks Trump from withholding funds from Los Angeles Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games schedule revealed 70-Year-Old Sikh Man Brutally Beaten With Golf Club Near Los Angeles Gurdwara SEIU California President David Huerta arrested during ICE raid in Los Angeles Ramayana teaser first glimpse debuts in Los Angeles U.S. judge blocks Trump's National Guard deployment in Los Angeles Big warning of Los Angeles-style wildfires in Australia Kim Kardashian speaks up against ‘inhumane’ ICE raids in Los Angeles
India will usher in a major tax reform from April 1, 2026, as the Income-tax Act, 2025, replaces the six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961. Know key features: New Income Tax Law From April 1: India will usher in a major tax reform tomorrow (April 1, 2026), as the Income-tax Act, 2025
1 days ago
Punjab & Sind Bank LBO Recruitment 2026: Apply for 1000 posts at punjabandsind.bank.in, direct link here Updated on: Mar 31, 2026 2:48 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link Punjab and Sind Bank has invited applications or Local Bank
1 days ago
U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance said she considers herself a trusted adviser to her husband J D Vance, the U.S. Vice President, especially when he’s taking a position on an issue that is “important personally.” Ms. Usha, the first Indian American Second Lady, in an interview with NBC News
1 days ago
Known for its glitzy stage costumes and sometimes outlandish performances, the Eurovision Song Contest is now launching its first ever Asia edition. Broadcasters from 10 countries in the region, including South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines, have confirmed that they will be taking part
1 days ago
In kitchens across India, spices are the backbone of every dish. But what if the real problem isn’t how you cook, but how you store them? Over time, even the most premium masalas can lose their punch if handled incorrectly. Heat, light, air, and moisture quietly strip away their essential oils
1 days ago
As per rules, with effect from April 1, for Aadhaar-based PAN applications applicants will be required to provide one additional valid proof of Date of Birth, apart from Aadhaar, as prescribed. New Delhi: New PAN/TAN application forms will be effective from tomorrow, 1 April 2026
1 days ago
PBKS vs GT LIVE Score, IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings will face Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans in a high-stakes encounter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The toss will take place at 7 PM IST
1 days ago
Step inside this mountain-themed, wheelchair-friendly home in Karnal, Haryana, that blends design with accessibilityHere’s a sneak peek to one of the beautiful wheel-chair friendly homes in Karnal, Haryana that features rustic mountain vibes. Published on: Mar 31
1 days ago
Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman faces a two-match ban from the Pakistan Super League. He was found guilty of ball tampering during a match. This incident follows other controversies in the league. Fast bowler Naseem Shah received a record fine for social media comments
1 days ago
Iran war can cut India GDP growth rate by 100 bps in FY27, EY saysEY now sees India GDP growth rate at ~6% and inflation rate at 150 bps higher that RBI's target of 4% as the impact of Iran war courses through the economy. Updated on: Mar 31
1 days ago
Case filed against Vijay, TVK party cadres for alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct regulationsTVK chief Vijay and his party cadres have been booked under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. Mar 31, 2026, 18:26:17 IST By Santanu Das Share via Copy link TVK chief
1 days ago
New Kia Seltos Safety Rating: The Kia Seltos has scored a full 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests. The SUV performed strongly in both adult and child protection. New Kia Seltos crash test results: The Kia Seltos has scored a full 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests
1 days ago
Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are urging President Donald Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran, arguing that Tehran hasn't been weakened enough by the monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to U.S.
1 days ago
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation against the Election Commission’s decision to transfer several officers in poll-bound West Bengal, saying that it found no evidence of mala fide intent in the orders, Live Law reported
1 days ago
The teaser of Kathanar offers a glimpse into a grand, visually spectacular pan-Indian film poised to set new benchmarks in global storytelling. The teaser of the much-anticipated pan-Indian film Kathanar has been officially released, offering audiences a first look at what is being described as one
1 days ago
India’s CCTV ban starts tomorrow: Will your home camera stop working?Chinese CCTV camera manufacturers will face increased scrutiny in India starting April 1. However, these changes will not impact the devices already in use. Updated on: Mar 31
1 days ago
It was pretty soon after James was born that I knew something wasn't right," says Laura. She and her partner, Beth, have two children - James, and their eldest Kate - both conceived through IVF treatment at a clinic in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus
1 days ago
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey admitted his side was outplayed by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener on Monday (March 30, 2026) in Guwahati. He noted that the pitch, which had been under covers
1 days ago
Poonam Pandey’s latest post flaunting a baby bump has left fans confused, with many suspecting it could be another publicity stunt or April Fool’s prank. Mumbai: Actress Poonam Pandey has once again left the internet puzzled after announcing her pregnancy
1 days ago
Eutelsat, a key competitor to Elon Musk's Starlink, is in discussions with India's space agency, ISRO, for future satellite launches. This move aims to diversify its launch options beyond SpaceX and European Ariane rockets, following its merger with OneWeb and loss of access to Russian Soyuz
1 days ago
Obesity is a chronic disease that requires proper, long-term management. It is not just about excess weight, but also about its wide-ranging impact on overall health. If left unmanaged, obesity can lead to several serious complications such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, osteoarthritis
1 days ago
Satellite images are emerging, offering a view of the Iran war's damage. Ships are seen burning in an Iranian port. Military bases in the region show destroyed buildings. Information on the war's toll has been limited. High-resolution images from various firms are providing crucial details
1 days ago
Eight Indian seafarers who were detained in Iran in December have returned home after weeks of delay caused by the war in the Middle East. The men were part of an 18-member crew - 16 Indians and one each from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - on a ship seized by Iranian authorities who alleged they were
1 days ago
Lahore Qalandars batter Fakhar Zaman has suffered a big blow as he has been suspended for two games of the Pakistan Super League PSL) 2026. Fakhar Zaman was found guilty of breaching Level 3 of the PSL's Code of Conduct, which pertains to tampering with the ball
1 days ago
Rohit Sharma’s funny MI ad shoot video goes viral after his 78 vs KKR. Watch what happened with the party popper. A light-hearted behind-the-scenes clip featuring Rohit Sharma has gone viral just days after Mumbai Indians’ thrilling IPL 2026 win over Kolkata Knight Riders. The video
1 days ago
The 2026-27 academic year is about to begin, and it brings good news for students: the April 2026 calendar is packed with holidays. This month includes major festivals like Good Friday, Ambedkar Jayanti, and Baisakhi, which are declared holidays for schools and colleges in various states
1 days ago
With the financial year 2025-26 drawing to a close, businesses and taxpayers need to complete a few critical compliance actions on the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) portal today, March 31, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition into FY 2026-27
1 days ago
