Our Scans · (FS.6.06) Personal Finance · Weekly Summary

• [New] Mortgage rates have come down nearly a full point from their peak and are expected to hover in the low 6% range throughout 2026. OrianaShea.com
• [New] In 2025, affordability reached its best level in nearly three years, and experts expect that trend to continue into 2026-driven by stabilizing mortgage rates, improving inventory, and slower price growth. OrianaShea.com
• [New] Mortgage rates will average around 6.3% across 2026. Yahoo Finance
• [New] For mortgage rates, prolonged inflation and tighter monetary policy from the Fed would deliver upward pressure, likely keeping rates above 6% for 2027. Yahoo Finance
• [New] The Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts interest rates will remain around 6.1% for the year. WSJ Buyside
• [New] The National Association of Realtors expects home sales to rise by 14% in 2026 due to a combination of factors, including mortgage rate stabilization, that will qualify more buyers. Patch
• [New] In Ontario, employers with twenty-five or more employees must now include the expected salary range (within a $50,000 limit) in publicly advertised job postings. National Law Review
• [New] Florida's minimum wage will increase from $14.00 per hour to $15.00 per hour. ballotpedia
• [New] In 2026, 21 states will experience wage increases, either from January or mid-year. MARCA
• [New] U.S. employers plan to allocate an average 3.5% salary increase for 2026, which is nearly the same as the 3.6% average increase given in 2025. Bend Chamber of Commerce
• [New] In Africa, Nigeria continues to grapple with inflationary pressures, prompting employers to plan double-digit salary increases - 13.7% on average - to retain talent. WTW
• [New] Hungary is a prime example, with salary increases projected at 6.4% in 2026, well above inflation, ensuring real wage growth. WTW
• Economists surveyed by Reuters forecast monthly inflation at a median of 4.32% in January, reflecting the immediate impact of new-year price adjustments and a 27% increase in the minimum wage for 2026. P.A. Turkey
• In 2026, 22 states will increase their minimum wage rates. Exit Planning Exchange
• The Mortgage Bankers Association expects multifamily lending volume to rise by more than 10% compared to last year. CRE Daily
• If more Fed cuts are expected, mortgage rates might tick down and if fewer cuts are expected, rates could rise. WSJ Buyside
• Mortgage rates jumped to 6.21% after global markets digested Davos headlines, Japan's debt volatility and the threat of EU countries selling off U.S. Treasury bonds. Bankrate
• Minimum Wage Will Continue to Rise Several states will increase their minimum wages in 2026 - well above the $15 range in some locations - particularly in the Midwest. FlippingBook
• Despite economic headwinds, real salary increases - growth adjusted for inflation - are expected to remain positive across most CEEMEA markets in 2026. WTW
• While housing analysts expect mortgage rates to drop slightly in 2026 compared to 2025, that will not make a massive difference in housing affordability. Fortune

Last updated: 09 February 2026