Inflation pressures are resurfacing—and the Federal Reserve may be headed for a major shakeup.

In today's episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest Producer Price Index report, which shows wholesale prices rising faster than expected in December, driven entirely by persistent services inflation. While goods prices remain flat, the data suggests underlying inflation pressures are proving stubborn—complicating expectations for near-term interest rate cuts.

Then, in breaking news, President Donald Trump announces his plan to nominate former Fed governor Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, replacing Jerome Powell when his term expires. Markets react swiftly, raising new questions about interest rates, Fed independence, and what this leadership change could mean for investors.

This episode connects the dots between inflation data, monetary policy, and real-world impacts on mortgage rates, borrowing costs, and real estate investing strategy—so you can stay informed in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.

🏠📉 Want to learn more about turn key investment properties? Visit www.realwealth.com/deals

Sources:

• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-30/us-producer-prices-increased-in-december-by-more-than-forecast
• https://www.connectmoney.com/stories/wholesale-inflation-firms-in-december-as-services-prices-accelerate/
• https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/fed-chair-nominee-kevin-warsh-01-30-26
• https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/live-blog/trump-fed-chair-warsh-senate-government-shutdown-live-updates-rcna255850

A new nationwide class action lawsuit is accusing Rocket Companies of illegally steering homebuyers toward its mortgage and closing products — even when better rates may have been available elsewhere.

The lawsuit alleges Rocket and its affiliates pressured real estate agents, including those at Redfin, to funnel clients to Rocket Mortgage and its title company, potentially violating the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA. Rocket denies the allegations and says it will vigorously defend itself.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the lawsuit claims, how the alleged referral arrangements worked, why the case references a prior Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigation, and what this could mean for mortgage competition, agent referrals, and consumer choice going forward.

Want to learn more? Visit www.Newsforinvestors.com

Source: https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/class-action-lawsuit-accuses-rocket-of-illegal-steering-scheme/

The Federal Reserve is hitting pause.

The Fed held interest rates steady this week after cutting rates three times since September, as policymakers weigh signs of a stabilizing job market against inflation that remains above target. Despite pressure from President Trump for more aggressive rate cuts, most Fed officials said now is the time to wait and watch the data.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the Fed's decision means, why two governors dissented, how political pressure is colliding with central bank independence, and what investors should watch next as inflation, employment, and future rate cuts hang in the balance.

🏠📈 Want to learn more? Visit www.newsforinvestors.com.

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/01/28/nx-s1-5690136/federal-reserve-interest-rates-jobs-labor-inflation