Podcast: Chief Economist Explains Fed Interest Rate Approach and Impact
In the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez are joined by Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz to discuss the Federal Reserve’s decision this week to leave interest rates unchanged.
Dietz explains how three potential rate decreases in 2024 could impact the home building and real estate markets next year and into 2025, and what further actions the Fed could take to help the industry.
Also, hear about some great recent wins by the NAHB Advocacy team in the last podcast episode of 2023.
Subscribe to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast provider, or watch the episode below or on YouTube.
Latest from NAHBNow
Legal | Housing Finance | Codes and Standards | Housing Affordability
Mar 06, 2026
NAHB Court Win Vacates HUD 2021 IECC MandateA recent court decision in a case brought by NAHB and 15 states pertaining to federal energy code mandates is a major win for our members, housing affordability and common-sense regulations.
Legal
Mar 06, 2026
NAHB Commends Court Ruling Vacating HUD 2021 IECC MandateNAHB Chairman Bill Owens issued the following statement after the Eastern District Court of Texas issued its decision in a lawsuit brought by NAHB and 15 states challenging the legality of the HUD and USDA rule imposing the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and the 2019 ASHRAE 90.1 standard on certain housing programs.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Mar 06, 2026
U.S. Economy Loses 92,000 Jobs in FebruaryThe U.S. labor market weakened in February, as payroll employment declined and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. The cooling labor market could place the Federal Reserve in a challenging position as policymakers weigh slower job growth against inflation pressures from rising oil prices.
Economics
Mar 05, 2026
Builders Identify Key Long-Term Forces Shaping Housing Demand and Industry HealthHome builders are keenly aware of the complex long-term outlook ahead for the home building industry. A recent NAHB/Wells Fargo HMI survey asked builders to assess the impact of 14 major trends and forces on the health of the industry and housing demand over the next 10 years.
Economics
Mar 05, 2026
Affordability Posts Mild Gains in Second Half of 2025 but Crisis ContinuesThough new and existing homes remain largely unaffordable, the needle moved slightly in the right direction in the second half of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Cost of Housing Index (CHI).