The August jobs report shocked economists: just 22,000 jobs were added, pushing unemployment to 4.3%.

Investors rushed into bonds, Treasury yields dropped to three-year lows, and whispers of falling mortgage rates grew louder.

In this First Friday economic update, Paula Pant breaks down:

• Why the August jobs report rattled markets.
• How lower Treasury yields could spark cheaper mortgages — and a buyer’s housing market.
• What Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech signals about Fed strategy.
• Why markets now expect a September rate cut — and how it could impact your wallet.

If you’re planning to buy or sell a home, or just want to understand what’s driving the economy right now, this episode is your roadmap.

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Interesting observations about the current housing market, meme stocks (again), GDP, Fed Meeting, Stock Market, and the latest Jobs Report updates. 

Timestamps: 

Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. 

00:00 Introduction to Economic Turmoil 

01:21 Jobs Report According to the BLS 

09:23 Impact of Tariff Negotiations 

12:36 The Broader Trade Landscape 

16:04 Stock Market Reactions 

24:11 GDP and Inflation Insights 

31:52 The Fed’s Steady Hand (Interest Rates) 

39:55 Housing Market Dynamics 

39:40 Affordability Crisis in Real Estate 

50:23 The Return of Meme Stocks 

Resource mentioned: 
The GameStop Revolution, One Year Later  | Podcast Episode 

Thanks to our sponsors!

Wayfair
Wayfair is the go-to destination for everything home, no matter your style or budget. Go to wayfair.com or the Wayfair mobile app to shop all things home.

Indeed
If you’re looking for amazing talent to bolster your team, you need Indeed. Go to indeed.com/paula and start hiring with a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit.