In this week's episode of Money Wise, the show kicks off with a review of last week’s numbers out of Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 515 points (1.3%), the S&P 500 gained 80 points (1.4%), and the NASDAQ climbed 246 points (1.4%). Year-to-date, the Dow is up 9.2%, the S&P 500 is up 18.1%, and the NASDAQ is up 19.1%. The Money Wise guys discuss the anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, with Chair Jerome Powell signaling a potential 0.25% reduction at the Jackson Hole symposium, which boosted market confidence. They noted that the market tends to rally when there is clarity, and Powell’s dovish tone provided much-needed certainty.

The Money Wise guys also talk about how falling interest rates could impact the housing market, with mortgage rates starting to come down. However, they emphasize that while the first rate cut might signal improvement, the real estate market likely won’t see a surge in activity immediately due to seasonality and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming presidential election. They also highlight that, historically, fall and winter are slower periods for home sales, and many potential buyers and sellers may wait for further rate cuts before making decisions. The Money Wise guys then move on to a discussion of the Federal Reserve’s success in potentially guiding the economy toward a "soft landing," although revisions in past employment data raised some doubts about the strength of the recovery.

Falling interest rates can have a significant impact on the housing market by making borrowing more affordable for homebuyers. As mortgage rates decrease, monthly payments become lower, which can make homes more accessible to a broader range of buyers. This often leads to an increase in demand for homes and can stimulate the housing market. However, the effect might not be immediate, especially during slower seasons like fall and winter, when fewer people are looking to buy or sell. Additionally, uncertainty around factors like upcoming elections may cause some buyers and sellers to wait for more stability before entering the market.

In the second hour today, the Money Wise guys share the key Retiree Spending Rules you should be following. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.