HousingWire Daily Logan Mohtashami: Does the Fed have tariff derangement syndrome?
Jun 13, 2025
Logan Mohtashami, Lead Analyst focused on the housing market, joins to discuss the tension between the Federal Reserve and the White House over mortgage rates. He unpacks the latest Consumer Price Index report and its implications for inflation. The conversation also touches on how evolving market trends and AI innovations are shaping the future for loan officers. Mohtashami highlights the significance of purchase application data, revealing a surprising 20% year-over-year increase in a competitive housing landscape.
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Midi Golf Misread Anecdote
- Sarah Wheeler shared a humorous story about misreading a sign at a golf event.
- The event was called "Midi Golf," not mini golf, which became a memorable moment.
Fed Policy Focuses on Labor Over Inflation
- The Federal Reserve's policy of keeping rates high is influenced more by the labor market than inflation.
- Tariffs are like taxes and can affect inflation, but recent inflation data suggest complex dynamics beyond tariffs.
Fed's Dilemma on Rate Hikes
- The Fed's rate hikes above 4% were a reaction to inflation fears and recession forecasts that didn't materialize.
- The Fed is now stuck between falling inflation and a strong labor market, facing criticism regardless of the path taken.