Weekly economic and real estate market update for the week ending December 26, 2025.

Stock Markets: Major U.S. indexes —

• S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq — posted modest weekly gains, extending recent positive momentum despite a quiet trading backdrop due to Christmas.
• Precious Metals: Gold and silver hit record prices on Friday, reflecting investor hedging behavior amid ongoing uncertainty. 
• Consumer Confidence: Confidence dipped to its lowest levels since April, amid inflation and policy concerns, even as headline GDP growth remains robust.
• GDP & Policy Debate: Strong reported GDP growth (~4.3% annualized) contrasts with sluggish consumer sentiment, complicating monetary policy outlooks.

Economic Drivers to Watch

• Inflation & Tariffs: Consumer inflation pressures and tariff impacts continue to weigh on confidence and spending.
• Labor Market: Softening job growth and a slightly higher unemployment rate have tempered consumer optimism.

🧮 National Mortgage Rate Update

Current Rate Environment (Late December 2025)

• U.S. average 30-year fixed mortgage: ~6.18%–6.25%, slightly down from prior weeks but still elevated relative to historical norms.
• 15-year fixed rates: ~5.50%–5.94%, modestly higher than last week.

📌 Trend Insight: Mortgage rates have been relatively stable in the low-6% range heading into year-end — providing slight relief to buyers after months of mostly higher rates.

Market Forecast & Outlook

• Experts largely expect rates to remain above 6% through early 2026, with only modest downward pressure unless inflation cools more sharply or the Federal Reserve cuts further.
• Homeowners with low historic rates (~3–4%) remain reluctant to sell, slowing inventory growth even as rates soften.

🏡 Local Housing & Mortgage Context

🏠 Thousand Oaks, CA

According to recent housing data, the Thousand Oaks market shows:

• Median home price ~$1.1M, up ~4.2% year-over-year.
• Homes are taking longer to sell (around 65 days), signaling a moderating market, but demand persists.

Mortgage implications: With northern Ventura County near Los Angeles market conditions, buyers often see local loan pricing slightly better than nationwide averages — but still above the lowest historic levels.

🌆 Westlake Village, CA

• Local conforming 30-yr rates often ~5.62–5.88%, depending on lender offerings.

Local housing notes:

• As a desirable suburban market with high median prices and limited inventory, Westlake Village’s housing demand tends to remain firm even when financing costs are elevated.

🌊 Santa Monica, CA

• As part of Los Angeles County, Santa Monica reflects similar regional mortgage trends: average local conforming 30-year fixed rates fall in the mid-5% range at many lenders.

Housing market snapshot:

• Premium coastal markets like Santa Monica face pressure from affordability constraints, especially given higher home prices + persistent mortgage cost — though lower rate tiers in the county may offer modest relief.

📌 Key Takeaways for Local Residents & Buyers

1. Mortgage Rates: Still historically elevated (~6.2% on average), but have edged slightly lower vs. earlier in 2025.
2. Stock & Economy: Markets show strength, but consumer sentiment and affordability concerns remain top local consumer issues.
3. Housing Markets: Thousand Oaks and broader SoCal markets are steady, with modest price growth and longer days on market signaling slight moderation.

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💡 Planning Ahead

• Average rents in Thousand Oaks are about ~$2,600–$3,100+ per month, depending on unit size and neighborhood, and have seen modest annual increases (~2%). 
• Even smaller units and studio apartments command rents well above national averages due to regional housing demand and higher living costs.