CasaMint EconomyForecasts as of October 2026 · Same source as our Forecast page · Free to cite
Recession outlook
No recession

Inflation went the wrong way. It's back to 3.7%.

The 2026 CPI call rose to 3.7%. Jobs hold at 4.2% and GDP at 2.6%. Rising inflation with a steady economy is the one combination that keeps the Fed parked.

Data sourceFannie Mae
The numbers, through 2027
Steady
Unemployment
4.2% → 4.3%
2026 into 2027 on the current forecast.
Steady
GDP growth
2.6% → 2.5%
Modest growth — no expansion, no contraction.
Improving
Inflation (CPI)
3.7% ↓ 1.9%
The one the Fed is still watching.
The full record

Inflation is the outlier — watch it swing.

What Fannie Mae expected 2026 inflation (CPI) to average, at each reading on record.

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT2.5%3.7%

The line turned back up to 3.7%. Every rate cut priced into next year assumed it wouldn't.

Forecast published2026 avg. CPIChange from prior reading
January 20262.5%—
February 20262.5%flat
March 20262.6%+0.1
April 20263.2%+0.6
May 20263.5%+0.3
June 20263.8%+0.3
July 20263.3%−0.5
August 20263.1%−0.2
September 20263.4%+0.3
October 20263.7%+0.3

Source: Fannie Mae ESR Group monthly housing & economic forecasts. Readings shown are the months on record — not every intervening month is tracked.

Curious what's coming to the market, not just what's happening in it? New construction is running ahead of last year.See supply on the way →
Recession, 2026–27
No recession
Unemployment, 2027
4.3%
GDP growth, 2027
2.5%
Inflation, 2027
1.9%
See what this does to mortgage rates →
So what should you do

Same forecast. Different move, depending who you are.

Buying

2027 is quietly the best window in years.

Flat prices and stable rates mean no rush — but the forecast also points to less competition than this year.

0.9%2027 sales growth — with a steady jobs market behind it
Run your numbers →
Selling

More buyers are coming — but only 0.6% price growth.

2027 brings liquidity, not appreciation. Price it right the first time instead of waiting on a market that isn't running away.

0.6%2027 price growth — against 1.9% inflation
See your net proceeds →
Own a high-rate mortgage

Refinancing is forecast to grow sharply.

Not because rates are falling — because so many people bought high in 2023–2025. Your break-even may have already arrived.

$578B → $655Brefi volume, 2025 to 2026 — at today's rates, not lower ones
Check Rate Watch →

Source: Fannie Mae ESR Group monthly housing & economic forecasts. Forecasts are opinions, not guarantees.

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Jobs, GDP, and inflation — and whether a recession is actually on the table, computed from the quarterly GDP path.