Sep 24, 2026 · 12 min
Mortgage rates cross 7% as Trump and Xi reopen fragile talks
Mortgage Rates Rise Above 7%
The episode connects a renewed U.S.-China diplomatic test with a housing market where higher borrowing costs are colliding with changing buyer needs.
- 1Mortgage rates above 7% are discouraging buyers, but more inventory and shifting household needs are creating a limited opening.
- 2Trump and Xi are projecting warmth while testing whether trade, military communication, and nuclear transparency can advance.
- 3Netanyahu’s U.N. address underscored Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation as delegates protested and Trump withheld a meeting.
Don't miss
Nicholas Miller explains how higher inventory and changing household needs are drawing buyers back despite mortgage rates above 7%.
The brief
Trump welcomes Xi Jinping at the White House as rising bond yields and mortgage rates set a tense economic backdrop for the state visit.
National security reporter Robbie Gramer describes a warm public tone masking deep U.S.-China tensions, with trade, military communication, and nuclear transparency on the table.
Benjamin Netanyahu defends Israel’s war at the U.N., where protesting delegates and the absence of a Trump meeting signal his worsening international isolation.
Mortgage rates above 7% are squeezing buyers, but Nicholas Miller explains why higher inventory and changing household needs are bringing some back.
The episode closes with markets, Starbucks store closures, and a practical account of vacuum-sealing and bringing French butter home under customs rules.
Featuring
Robbie Gramer
Donald John Trump
Xi Jinping
White House
The Wall Street JournalListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.