During the third quarterly installment of WFG’s 2024 Economic Outlook webinar, WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone and economist Dr. Bill Conerly shared expert insights on the current state of the U.S. and global economies, as well as the residential and commercial real estate markets.

During the opening segment, Dr. Conerly provided an insightful analysis of the U.S. economy, focusing on the impact of interest rates, inflation, and the Federal Reserve’s strategy. He also explored consumer behavior, the role of government spending, and the construction sector, while offering predictions for future Federal Reserve actions and their implications for mortgage rates.

During his opening commentary, Patrick Stone highlighted the uncertainty facing the real estate and mortgage industries, urging businesses to focus on planning and operational efficiency to navigate the changes ahead. He also touched on a variety of critical topics, including the impact of regulatory shifts, the NAR commission lawsuit, housing supply and demand, mortgage rates, and the evolving market landscape.

The Q&A portion of the webinar addressed the likelihood of a recession and resulting impact on the real estate industry, regulatory trends, title waiver programs, interest rate predictions and employment trends, the correlation between the presidential election and the housing market, the commercial and builder markets, and the impact of the NAR settlement on the real estate, title and mortgage markets. Both experts also stressed the importance of self-assessment and strategic planning to prepare for various economic scenarios.

For a deeper dive into these insights, watch the full webinar video or download the complete transcript and talking point summary.