Lions and Tigers and 10-year Treasury Yields Surpass 4.5% (Oh My!)So, what’s the ACTUAL impact on the economy and consumers? As Treasury yields rise, interest rates on consumer loans, such as mortgages and car loans, often increase. This can lead to higher borrowing costs for mortgages, cars, credit cards, and more.Middle East Tensions get hotter! Escalations between Israel and Iran have already led to a selloff in Iranian currency and stocks, indicating increased market volatility and investor concern over the stability of the region. We expect this to put pressure on oil prices/outflows from emerging markets. Also, is it time to buy some defense stocks like weapon manufacturers?Real Estate Insights -Home Prices: Home prices nationwide were up 6.4% year-over-year in February. Sales Volume: The number of homes sold rose 2.8%, and the number of homes for sale rose 4.9%Market Predictions: Experts predict a slower rise in home prices this year compared to recent years, but price fluctuations will continue to vary regionally and depend strongly on local market supply.Market Size: The Residential Real Estate Market in the United States is estimated at USD 2.53 trillion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 2.80 trillion by 2028, 2.04% estimated growth during the forecast period (2023-2028).These trends indicate a market that is still adjusting to post-pandemic conditions, with a mix of rising prices and increasing sales volume, alongside predictions of a more balanced growth in the coming years.