U.S. industrial production fell 0.2 percent in September after a 0.1 percent decline in August, the Federal Reserve said today. Production was up 0.4 percent year-on-year. Manufacturing edged down 0.1 percent, the second consecutive monthly decline and marking a 1.4 percent year-on-year gain. Utility output was up 1.3 percent for a 1 percent year-on-year gain, and mining dropped 2 percent for a 5.7 percent year-on-year decline.
Despite temporary tariff relief, small businesses still face elevated costs from historically high tariffs on Chinese goods.
Overall customer satisfaction with personal loans has remained largely flat, according to J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study.
The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index decreased 2.7% in May compared to the month prior, landing at 50.9, according to preliminary results for the month.
Housing starts increased by 1.6% in April from the month prior to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.34 million, the Commerce Department reported.
The CFPB has withdrawn a proposed rule to prohibit contractual provisions in agreements for consumer financial products or services that waive “substantive” consumer legal rights and protections.
The rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.81% this week. The rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was 5.92%.
