U.S. Inflation Rate Holds Steady at 2.8% in February

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Inflation Rate Holds Steady at 2.8% in February, But Economic Concerns Loom Amid Trade Policy and Recession Fears

The U.S. annual inflation rate for February remains relatively stable at 2.8%. While down sharply from last year’s peak of over 9%, inflation continues to stay above the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2%. Despite price stability in February, economists warn that prices could rise again, driven by factors like former President Donald Trump’s trade policies and ongoing recession fears.

The Federal Reserve has worked to gradually lower inflation by adjusting interest rates, achieving a “soft landing” with low unemployment and stable prices. The Fed is expected to hold rates steady at its next meeting on March 18-19.

However, Trump’s tariffs, including a 20% tax on Chinese imports and 50% on Canadian steel and aluminum, have caused market instability. Stock prices fell further this week, with Trump hinting that the country may be in a period of transition, raising concerns about a potential recession.

The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows a slight month-to-month price increase, with eggs rising 10.4% due to the avian flu, but energy prices cooling off slightly.

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 Missouri Judge Faces Recusal Request in Antitrust Case Over Political Donations to His Wife’s Campaign

A Missouri judge is facing calls for recusal in a high-profile antitrust case after it was revealed that plaintiffs’ lawyers made donations to political campaigns involving the judge’s wife. Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, one of the defendants in Don Gibson et al v. National Association of Realtors et al, is requesting that U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough withdraw from hearing the case.

The lawsuit, filed in 2023, accuses real estate brokerages of conspiring to inflate commission fees for home sellers. Howard Hanna denies the charges. The company argues that donations from the plaintiffs’ lawyers to Judge Bough’s wife—who is an attorney and Kansas City council member—raise concerns about potential bias.

Lead plaintiffs’ lawyer Michael Ketchmark dismissed the recusal request, stating there’s nothing improper about supporting a city council candidate. The judge has previously acknowledged the donations but did not recuse himself at the time. The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri under case number 4:23-cv-00788-SRB.

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Climate Risks Threaten Trillions in U.S. Real Estate, Zillow Analysis Shows Major Impact from Floods, Fires, and Extreme Winds

Trillions of dollars’ worth of real estate in the U.S. are at major risk from natural disasters, according to a new Zillow analysis. Homes facing significant risks from floods, fires, and extreme winds are valued at a staggering $33 trillion. Homes with major wind risk are worth over $17 trillion, fire-risk homes total $9.1 trillion, and those at risk of flooding are valued at $7 trillion.

Zillow’s senior economist Kara Ng says these climate risks, along with rising insurance costs, are reshaping the housing market. Despite the risks, many high-risk areas remain desirable, with homes at extreme risk for flooding or fires often commanding higher prices—up to 49% more in some cases.

The New York City metro area leads with $593 billion in homes at risk of flooding and $3 trillion at risk from wind. Meanwhile, California’s metro areas top the charts for fire risks, with Los Angeles having $831 billion in homes at major risk.

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