Elena Vasquez
Finance Writer
Elena Vasquez writes about markets, interest rates, household finance, and economic data. She tracks Federal Reserve policy, inflation reports, and how monetary decisions filter down to borrowing costs and household budgets. Her posts separate observed figures from forecasts and interpretation, citing primary data releases wherever they're available.
Posts
6 posts
Housing Inventory Rises as 30-Year Mortgage Rates Approach 6.7%
The average U.S. rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.66% in late August, while listings increased and price growth moderated in many markets.
August 27, 2026
U.S.-Canada Talks End Without a Deal as 50% Tariffs Take Effect
The United States imposed 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian goods after negotiations ended without an agreement before the administration's deadline.
August 22, 2026
U.S. Clean-Energy Investment Rises 22% to $75 Billion in the Second Quarter
U.S. investment in clean energy and transportation totaled $75 billion in the second quarter of 2026, a 22% increase from the previous quarter.
August 13, 2026
S&P 500 Reaches a Record as Investors Weigh Inflation and Earnings
The S&P 500 set a record in August as technology shares, corporate earnings and softer inflation data supported a broad market advance.
August 12, 2026
Gold Posts Its Strongest Week Since January as Rate Expectations Ease
Gold rose more than 6% in its strongest week since January as softer economic data reduced expectations for an imminent Federal Reserve rate increase.
August 12, 2026
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July; Unemployment Holds at 4.1%
U.S. nonfarm payroll employment declined by 23,000 in July while the unemployment rate was little changed at 4.1%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
August 7, 2026