Podcast: Chief Economist Explains Fed Interest Rate Approach and Impact

Economics
Published
Contact: Paul Lopez
[email protected]
Chief Operating Officer
(202) 266-8409

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.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Advocacy

Dec 12, 2025

Judge Determines FEMA’s Termination of BRIC Program Unlawful

A federal judge ruled that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program was unlawful and issued a permanent injunction restoring the program. This action is of note to the housing community because NAHB has been pushing Congress to pass the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act, which would allow jurisdictions to qualify for BRIC funds if they have adopted one of the latest two code cycles.

Safety

Dec 12, 2025

Preventing Cold, Flu and COVID Illnesses on Jobsites Starts with a Plan

In the construction industry, working outdoors may appear to create less risk for catching a cold, flu, and COVID-19, but it’s crucial to understand that these illnesses can still spread while working in close proximity in any conditions.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Dec 11, 2025

Homeownership Rate Inches Up to 65.3%

The latest homeownership rate rose to 65.3% in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS).

Economics

Dec 10, 2025

No Risk-Free Path: Fed Eases Monetary Policy

The central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cut rates a third and final time in 2025, reducing the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a 3.5% to 3.75% range. This reduction will help reduce financing costs of builder and developer loans.

Economics

Dec 09, 2025

Construction Labor Market Stable

The count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry was relatively unchanged in October, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from two years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.