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GCA Forums News For Tuesday December 9 2025
GCA Forums News – Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Daily Financial, Housing & Political Report for Homebuyers, Homeowners & Investors
LIVE MARKETS SNAPPED – Tuesday Midday. STOCKS
Late morning Eastern time, Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
- The DJIA is around 47,800, up about 0.2% (roughly 90 points).
- Investors are attempting to time the market as they await the Federal Reserve’s rate decision, despite the release of weak economic data.
- The S&P 500 is near 6,850, holding steady or slightly higher today.
- The Nasdaq Composite is near 23,550, slightly lower as investors take profits following recent gains in major technology stocks.
- Ahead of the Federal Reserve’s decision, many traders are taking a wait-and-see approach.
- Most expect a 0.25% rate cut, while recent labor market data shows some softening, even as inflation persists.
LIVE PRECIOUS METALS – GOLD & SILVER
Demand for safe-haven assets is rising because of geopolitical tensions among manufacturers, ongoing disputes over the Epstein files, and uncertainty about tariffs.
- Gold (Dec 2025 futures): ~ $4200/oz (last check 4,198.90, +0.28% for the day). ([The Wall Street Journal][5])
- Silver (spot) is about $60 per ounce (live spot was $60.05 at 10:37 a.m. ET), with prices ranging from $58 to $60 this week.
For borrowers & investors
- Elevated gold and silver prices show ongoing concerns about inflation, political uncertainty, and global instability, despite improving inflation data.
- For real estate investors, high silver and gold prices, combined with a risk-hedging mindset, often lead to increased interest in acquiring hard assets, such as real estate, particularly cash-flowing rentals with DSCR and non-QM financing.
LIVE ECONOMIC DATA & TARIFF IMPACT ON THE U.S. ECONOMY: Inflation, Jobs, and Economic Growth
January macro data releases highlighted the following:
- Core PCE inflation: about 2.8–3.0% YOY, the fastest in about 1 ½ years.
- Unemployment rate: about 4.4%. While higher than historic lows, this rate remains moderate. Consumer spending is slowing, with real spending in September flat after a 0.2% increase in August, as higher prices and tighter budgets impact lower- and middle-income households.
Economists increasingly describe this as a “K-shaped economy.” High-income households continue to spend, while middle- and lower-income families are cutting back and struggling to afford essentials such as food, rent, and energy. These groups are also the primary applicants for FHA, VA, and first-time homebuyer loans.
The Fed and the Effect of Tariffs on Prices
A significant body of research confirms that the 2025 tariff increases are contributing measurably to inflation:
- This year, a Fed St. Louis policymaker warned that Trump’s existing and proposed tariffs could add approximately 1.2% to the Fed’s inflation target, after some “second-round” effects have worked their way through the economy.
- PIMCO, the Tax Foundation, and other private sector analysts have estimated that a significant proportion (approximately 40–50%) of tariffs is eventually passed on to consumers, which translates to $1,000–$1,200, corresponding to higher prices on imported goods.
- Reports on consumer spending indicate that prices for household goods contribute significantly to high inflation, particularly for furnishings and clothing.
- Services inflation tends to be lower.
- More mortgage insight for borrowers and homeowners: tariffs make inflation harder to bring down, which could slow rate cuts.
- If tariff-driven inflation prevents the Fed from acting, mortgage rates and long-term bond yields may remain high for an extended period, even as the economy slows.
- Households already dealing with high inflation on food, fuel, and goods have less ability to handle higher mortgage payments, which affects their DTI ratios and chances of loan approval.
Now, let’s look at what borrowers are seeing with mortgage rates in today’s market.
National averages change daily, weekly, and monthly, but as of today:
- 30-year fixed conforming: ~ 6.30%, as stated by major rate trackers such as WSJ/Bankrate, which is the national average.
- 15-year FHA, 30-year fixed, and VA loans usually have slightly lower rates, but higher MIP or funding fees.
- Current estimates are around 5% to 6% for well-qualified borrowers.
- Jumbo, non-QM, and DSCR investor loans usually have interest rates 1-3% higher than prime conforming loans.
- The rate depends on credit score, LTV, reserves, and documentation type.
- Most of this difference stems from risk-based pricing, rather than daily averages.
For readers of GCA Forums:
- Borrowers with credit scores of 580 or 619, recent credit issues, or non-traditional income will likely get higher rate quotes than the national average.
- Still, DSCR refinances and non-QM loans are being approved at rates much lower than recent hard-money rates (15-20% or more).
- Another mini-refi wave may occur for borrowers with high mortgages of 7-8% from 2023 to 2024 if the Fed plans to cut rates, even slightly, while inflation continues to decline.
Housing real estate CHECK: PRICES, GAS, AND BUILDING COSTS
Home Prices Plateau High
Home prices in many major metropolitan areas remain well above pre-COVID levels.
The latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index shows national home sale prices just below their all-time highs, but prices have leveled off in recent months.
Post-COVID home prices remain high, even as mortgage rates decrease from their peak.
There are fewer bidding wars in real estate markets than in 2021-2022.
- While some say prices have “crashed,” mortgage affordability still depends on the rate, taxes, insurance, and the home’s sale price.
Gas Prices Are a Little Lower Nationally, with the average at just below $3.00 per gallon, according to AAA, which reports a nationwide average of $2.95 per gallon. This is the lowest average in over four years.
Lower gas prices allow some consumers to spend more freely and may improve the DTI ratios of borrowers who are close to qualifying. The extra cash flow from reduced fuel costs can benefit some households.
Tariffs, construction, and housing costs
Builders and remodels continue to report higher material costs, including steel, aluminum, and some imported components. These increases are driven by tariffs and supply chain delays. Research from housing and construction economic think tanks indicates that tariffs on construction goods increase project costs, slow new construction, and limit inventory, particularly in areas with existing supply constraints. For homebuyers, low inventory and steady demand keep prices elevated, even when mortgage rates are high.
LEGAL AND POLITICAL CONTROVERSIES: PATEL, BONGINO, BONDI AND THE EPSTEIN FILESKash Patel: FBI Director & Facing Allegations Over Jet, SWAT, & Girlfriend’s Protection
FBI Director Kash Patel is facing criticism regarding his use of Bureau assets. Reports concerning country singer Alexis Wilkins, whom Patel is dating, state that: as the People and other media summarized,
Commanding agents tasked with Wilkins to escort an inebriated classmate to the vehicle after a night at a bar in Nashville, and
Assigning SWAT-trained personnel to Wilkins’ security detail, thereby removing them from the local field office, and
Using a $60 million FBI jet to travel to Pennsylvania, during the time he is attending a wrestling match, in which Wilkins is the national anthem vocalist, 2 years after he criticized his predecessor for attending events with government aircraft.
- While the FBI has conceded at least some of those specifics, it has not acknowledged the allegations that the Bureau’s resources were misappropriated, nor has it questioned Patel’s sound judgment.
- Former agents, as cited in the articles, have described the use of aircraft and security details as unprofessional and indicative of inexperience.
- Advocates for civil liberties and oversight are calling for the FBI to allocate resources for congressional inquiries.
Dan Bongino: Deputy FBI Director Facing Internal Doubts
Bongino has become a highly controversial figure, particularly in his current role as Deputy Director of the FBI. As a former Secret Service agent and right-wing commentator, many question his suitability for the position, including:
- Reports from Axios and ABC News indicate that Bongino has had conflicts with Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the Epstein Files Transparency Act, specifically concerning what the Attorney General should release to the public and the extent to which the documents should be redacted.
- According to The Guardian, some critics, both inside and outside the Bureau, view him as unqualified and too partisan.
- He is the first deputy director in FBI history without a background as an agent and has built a public image by promoting conspiracy theories, including claims about a “deep state” and election fraud.
- Reports indicate Bongino was demoted to “co-deputy director” due to the Epstein files issue last summer, which may have reduced his influence within the administration.
The Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has also been criticized from both sides of the aisle for her handling of the Epstein Files:
- She initially claimed that a “client list” was supposed to be on her desk, but later, the DOJ sent a memo affirming that no such document exists and that there would be no further updates—sparking fury from MAGA activists and politiTrump publicly defends Bondi, stating she is doing a “FANTASTIC JOB,” but several reports suggest he has been privately frustrated by criticism from his supporters. The release of grand jury documents under the new transparency law adds pressure on Bondi and the FBI to carefully consider what information to release next, if any. if any.
Are Patel, Bongino, and Bondi “on their way out”?
There is apparently significant internal strife:
- Bondi is under pressure to resign from some of the MAGA base.
- Bongino has already been demoted and is in constant conflict with DOJ management.
- Patel is under ethics scrutiny for the use of Bureau assets.
- So far, neither the White House nor the DOJ has made any official statement about removing any of the three from their positions.
- While their political standing appears to be weakening, talk of them being “on their way out” remains just speculation.
- If you have heard any rumors around town regarding Erika Kirk and Vice President JD Vance, you are not alone.
- Are there rumors surrounding Vance and Kirk concerning a pregnancy and Vance being the father of the child?
- Are there rumors suggesting that Vance is involved in a pregnancy and popular podcasters are discussing it?
What Was Caught on Film
The start of the whispers:
- On October 29, 2025, Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, currently the CEO of TPUSA, introduced Vice President JD Vance at a TPUSA event held at the University of Mississippi.
- Just weeks after Charlie’s assassination, they shared an emotional hug on stage.
- A lip reader said Vance told Erika, “I’m proud of you.”
- She replied, ‘It’s not going to bring him back.’
- Erika explained her attraction to Vance by saying that physical touch is her primary love language.
- She often expresses this by touching people’s heads or necks and saying, “God bless you.”
Independent fact checkers and mainstream publications have now addressed the rumors of the affair directly:
- Snopes looked into what social media posts speculating an affair and concluded that there is “no evidence” of Erika Kirk and JD Vance having an affair.
- The rumors stem from out-of-context videos and speculation, without any factual basis. The posts that went viral claimed Erika is “8 weeks pregnant” with Vance’s child.
- Hindustan Times clearly called the pregnancy claim false, quoting her as saying she wants more children, but in the future.
- JD Vance said he and his wife have a great marriage, are not worried about the rumors, and have just been having some fun with the negative comments.
JD Vance and Usha Vance
- The Vance couple has been most affected by the rumors and allegations.
- Once again, J.D. Vance feels the need to address the love he has for Usha Vance by mentioning his marriage to Usha.
- Even Vance knows and has addressed the speculation of his marriage to Usha.
- The Vance couple has been most affected by the rumors and allegations on the Internet.
- J.D. Vance feels the need to address the love he has for Usha Vance by mentioning his marriage to Usha.
- Vance is aware of the speculation.
- Social media is filled with memes, body language analyses, and unfounded theories about the hug, as well as claims that Usha Vance was not wearing a wedding ring.
- Nothing of conjecture, four of conjecture of social media activities and engagement, and none of them point to Usha Vance’s ring to have been a wedding.
- Such speculation about Vance and Usha’s marriage rumors refers to rumors about Vance’s marriage.
- The GCA forums editorial expresses the facts based on her marriage and allegations regarding J.D. Vance, suggesting a conspiracy relation between Vance.
- Currently, the situation is dominated by gossip and bias fueled by online speculation. mortgages and housing, the main point is this: if viral gossip spreads about you, treat it like a clickbait housing headline. Ignore it and stay focused on verified facts and your financial plan.
WENS VS. ERIKA KIRK – CONSERVATIVE CIVIL WAR IN PROGRESS
You also asked about Candace Owens’ criticisms of Erika Kirk. Their feud has become a topic of discussion in conservative media.
What Owens is saying
- Candace Owens has, on multiple occasions, since the weekend shooting of Charlie Kirk, been using her podcast and social media to question:
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- How has TPUSA been managing the shooting?
- What are the internal leadership circumstances?
- Why is Erika Kirk our CEO?
- Why has Erika been so open on social media, and is now so open, and is it because of the shooting?
- Owens has suggested assassination conspiracy theories, possibly from foreign sources. Erika has downplayed these, saying people are free to criticize while grieving because “everyone grieves differently.” She also warned that speculation could hurt her family, their grief, or the movement as a whole.
- However, there have been no significant new developments from the other side, and Owens has only become more vocal in her criticism. She now questions whether Erika should remain president of TPUSA and has raised concerns about some donors, responding to Owens’ suggestion of a public livestream debate with TPUSA leadership.
How Erika and others are responding
- Erika has begun responding in more detail during interviews and on social media, defending her leadership and saying that Owens is being hurtful and unhelpful to Charlie’s cause.
- Other conservative voices, such as Allie Beth Stuckey, have pointed out that Owens’ theories lack documentation and appear to be based solely on assumptions and correlations.
- This feud is relevant to GCA Forums readers because TPUSA, its influencers, and MAGA media personalities have a significant impact on young voters and may influence housing demand in the Sun Belt and college towns.
- Bandonment of sub-seating economic and housing policy, all the while the real burdens of rent payments, mortgage down payments, and student loan debt remain.
THE ISSUES AT HAND – CONSUMER PROTECTION, GCA MEMBERS, & HOMEOWNERS AT LARGERates & inflation –
- Tariffs are adding price pressure, and a cautious Federal Reserve means mortgage rates are higher than in a typical scenario of a soft landing.
- Credit, income, and program selection (FHA, VA, or non-QM) are more important than ever.
Household budgets
Cheaper fuel prices help alleviate some of the pain.
However, increased spending on imported goods, clothing, and expensive durable items makes it more difficult for lower-income families to maintain their budgets, particularly those who rely on FHA, VA, USDA, and down-payment assistance programs.
Political volatility
Scandals involving Patel, Bongino, Bondi, and the public dispute over the Epstein files are fueling mistrust in institutions, including those regulating housing and lending. Increased oversight can delay or complicate efforts to streamline policies on QM and non-QM loans, bank capital rules, and fair lending.
Media Over-Dramatization vs. Actual Viral Stories: Erika Kirk, JD Vance, and Candace Owens Attract Significant Attention and Generate Revenue, but They Do Not Affect Key Metrics, Such as Employment
Can you document your assets and reserves?
What payment fits comfortably inside your budget, even if taxes and insurance rise?
GCA continues to monitor live markets, mortgage rates, and policy changes, enabling borrowers to bypass distractions and make informed decisions to buy, refinance, or invest, even amid ongoing media and global events.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUjQjhxTZJk
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This discussion was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by
Sapna Sharma.
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