Steep drop: U.S. existing-home sales fell a sharper-than-expected 8.4% in January, prompting real estate agents to warn of a “new housing crisis.” High prices, limited supply and weaker confidence continue to sideline buyers, even as mortgage rates ease. Read the full story from CNBC.
Higher earners also hit: Financial stress is spreading beyond low-income households, with higher earners increasingly falling behind on mortgage and credit card payments. Credit counselors report rising debt loads and missed payments among clients earning about $70,000 a year, pushing a key financial stress gauge to its highest level on record. Read the full story from The Wall Street Journal.
Surging: CEO pay at the nation’s largest banks surged in 2025, with leaders at JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and Capital One each earning at least $40 million. Driven by strong performance and competitive pressures, the payouts signal a new compensation benchmark for big-bank chiefs. Read more from American Banker. A subscription may be required.
