

Daybreak Weekend: Retail Earnings, European Banking, Japan Eco
8 snips Aug 15, 2025
Taro Komura, a seasoned Japan economist with Bloomberg Economics, dives into the complexities of Japan's economy. He sheds light on the effects of U.S. tariffs and a weak yen on exports, particularly in the auto industry. The discussion also touches on generational wage disparities and resilience in consumer spending. Additionally, Taro explores the future of banking consolidation in Europe amidst regulatory challenges, making connections to broader economic trends and implications for investors.
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Builders Slow Single-Family Production
- New single-family home starts are falling while multifamily rises, driven by builders matching production to demand.
- High new-home inventory and generous incentives mean builders will slow starts and protect margins.
Watch Builder Incentives
- Watch mortgage-rate buydowns as the main incentive builders offer to first-time buyers.
- Expect builders to increase incentives in the second half, which will compress their margins.
Renting Rises As Ownership Becomes Pricier
- Elevated prices and near-7% mortgage rates push many would-be buyers into renting instead of buying.
- Lower rates alone likely help only marginal buyers; price declines and income growth are needed for a sustained pickup.