Explainers
Explainers are data-driven analyses that answer common economic and financial questions. Each one combines multiple indicators into a single verdict: is the situation favorable, neutral, or unfavorable?
The signals update automatically as new data arrives from the Federal Reserve (FRED), Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other sources. Each section within an explainer tracks a specific metric, and the overall signal reflects the majority view across all sections.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House?
A data-driven look at housing affordability, mortgage costs, and metro-level price-to-rent ratios.
Updated Apr 17, 2026
How Is the Labor Market?
National layoff trends and employment momentum across 33 industries.
Updated Apr 17, 2026
Industry Outlook
Per-industry employment momentum and quadrant status across 26 CES industries.
Updated Apr 17, 2026