Holiday Market Pulse: Inflation Cools, Jobs Wobble & Home Sales Climb - Weekly Spark

Happy holidays and welcome back to the Weekly Spark, your fast five minute flash of insight into mortgages and real estate. This week we dig into the key numbers through November and what they may signal for 2026, including inflation trending lower, a labor market that is losing momentum, and existing home sales posting a third straight month of gains. We also talk Fed rate cut expectations, leadership changes ahead, and what all of it could mean for buyers, refinances, and the spring market. ?? This Week�s Highlights � Inflation check: CPI rose 2.7% year over year, with core inflation easing to 2.6%, the lowest since early 2021 � What it means: Softer inflation readings could support additional rate cuts ahead � Jobs report: October payrolls fell, November rebounded, but prior months saw downward revisions � Fed outlook: The Fed has already cut 25 bps three times this fall, and markets will watch the inflation vs. jobs tug of war � Existing home sales: Up 0.5% in November, the third straight month of gains, even as inventory dipped seasonally � 2026 view: If inflation stays tame and labor softens, the door opens for more rate relief, more buyer activity, and a possible mini refi wave � Holiday note: Ryan is out preparing for a new baby, and we�re sending the family our best