Wall Street fears an economic slowdown. What to expect (March 2025 - Novanews)
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness” – Oprah Winfrey
As International Women's Day approaches, it’s a sure sign that spring is on its way. Just as the seasons shift, so does the economy — bringing new developments in finance, real estate, and beyond. Let’s see what’s unfolding right now.
TODAY'S TOPICS
Economic slowdown worries investors, but predictions differ.
Home values may be falling — but it depends on location.
The U.S. plans to create a strategic crypto reserve.
China plans countermeasures for new U.S. tariffs.
Every year, International Women’s Day changes its theme. What is it in 2025?
QUIZ
1. Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize?
Marie Curie
Mother Theresa
Rosalind Franklin
2. What percentage of leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies are currently held by women?
5%
10%
15%
REAL ESTATE
Current mortgage rates
30-year – 6.72%
15-year – 6.18%
Real estate news
Home values may be falling — but it depends on location. In Texas and Florida, new construction is driving prices down, while limited supply keeps them high in the Northeast and Midwest. In the Sunbelt, rising prices and insurance costs may signal future declines. Learn more
U.S. home purchase cancellations surge to highest level in 8 years. Home sales cancellations are rising across the U.S., with 1 in 7 sales getting canceled. Buyers are backing out due to rising inventory, economic uncertainty, and high mortgage rates. Learn more
U.S. ECONOMY
Inflation
Current US inflation rate: 3%
Unemployment
Current US unemployment rate: 4%
FED rate
Fed funds interest rate: 4.3%
U.S. economy news
U.S. jobs report to reveal hiring trends. The March 7 jobs report will give a fresh look at U.S. hiring. It’s expected to show 160,000 new jobs in February — up from January but slower than late 2024 due to government layoffs and weaker consumer spending. Learn more
Wall Street investors are concerned about the economic slowdown. February was a rough month for investors, marked by weak consumer confidence and market sell-off. Experts worry the economy may be cooling faster than the Fed is responding. Learn more
GLOBAL OUTLOOK
China plans countermeasures for new U.S. tariffs by targeting American agricultural exports. This adds to the growing trade tensions between the two countries. The latest tariffs are set to increase by an additional 10%, bringing the total to 20%. Learn more
The European Central Bank is set to lower interest rates further due to economic concerns. But uncertainty around U.S. policies, particularly trade tensions, complicates future decisions. Learn more
STOCK EXCHANGE
Stocks recommended by experts
4 top best-performing S&P 500 stocks in March 2025 based on one-year results:
Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) – 327.48%
Vistra Corp. (VST) – 223.67%
Texas Pacific Land Corporation (TPL) – 170.19%
United Airlines Holdings Inc. (UAL) – 121.63%
Stock market news
The U.S. plans to create a strategic reserve of cryptocurrencies. Donald Trump announced five digital assets to be included: Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. Following the announcement, their prices surged. Learn more
COFFEE BREAK
Fun news
3 curious facts about the International Women's Day:
The theme of International Women’s Day changes annually. For 2025, it’s "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment."
Some countries, like Serbia and Romania, combine International Women’s Day with Mother’s Day, celebrating both together.
Purple, green, and white symbolize the day, inspired by suffragettes who used purple for dignity, green for hope, and white for purity.
Question of the Month
My house is paid off and I want to know if I can use it to buy another property. Can I apply for a cash out refinance or a HELOC? Sincerely, Nick M.
Hi Nick. Congratulations on paying off your house, that's a huge accomplishment! Here are my observations:
You have to take into account whether you have equity in your house, that is the value that your property has increased over the years.
If there is equity, the bank will leverage that equity to calculate the amount to lend you. I share the details of how it works in this video.
Get your finances in order. Lenders take into account your income and FICO credit score. If these are not in order, it is very difficult for you to get approved for the cash out refi or the HELOC.
Investor of the month
Seth Klarman
Seth Klarman is a renowned American investor and author, best known for leading the Boston-based hedge fund, The Baupost Group, which manages over $26 billion in assets. A disciplined value investor, Klarman is often compared to Warren Buffett for his strategic, long-term approach to investing. Learn more
QUIZ ANSWERS
Marie Curie
10%
CONTENT YOU CAN’T MISS
This month’s recommended book
by Stephanie Kelton
Stephanie Kelton, a leading expert on modern monetary theory (MMT), explores how MMT can reshape money, spending, and policies to tackle poverty, jobs, health care, and more.
Say NO to Debit Cards - Why I Have 30+ Credit Cards
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Buying a home is expensive — but is building from scratch a better deal? In this video, we'll compare buying vs. building.
