Business
Trump says admin will lower housing costs, keep home values up
The Corcoran Group broker, Noble Black, joins Varney & Co. to discuss homebuilder confidence, mortgage rates and Congress actions to address the housing crisis.
President Donald Trump said his administration plans to make housing more affordable for new homebuyers while keeping home values high for existing homeowners.
Trump delivered his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night and touted the lower cost of new mortgages since he took office in January 2025.
“Mortgage rates are the lowest in four years and falling fast, and the annual cost of a typical new mortgage is down almost $5,000 just since I took office. One year,” Trump said.
“Low interest rates will solve the Biden-created housing problem while at the same time protecting the values of those people who already own a house that really feel rich for the first time in their lives. We want to protect those values; we want to keep those values up. We are going to do both. And we are going to keep it that way,” the president added.
FHFA CHIEF SAYS TRUMP DEPLOYED $200B TO SLASH MORTGAGE RATES, CLAIMS IMPACT WAS IMMEDIATE

President Donald Trump touted the decline in mortgage rates since he took office during his State of the Union address. (Kent Nishimura/Reuters)
Data from Freddie Mac shows that the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage declined from 7.04% in January 2025, when Trump began his second term, to the current 6.01%.
While lower interest rates can help with the affordability of mortgages taken out by new homeowners, they have an inverse relationship with home prices, as lower rates stimulate demand among prospective buyers, which pushes home values higher.
That dynamic can counteract the affordability improvements from lower mortgage rates by increasing the size of the mortgage, as both elements factor into the owner’s monthly payments.
Investors have noted that the most effective way to lower home prices would be to expand the supply of homes, though they cautioned that most of the laws and regulations are governed at the state and local level, which gives the federal government few options.
EFFORTS TO REIN IN WALL STREET LANDLORDS COULD PUSH US HOME PRICES UP, INVESTORS SAY

Investors say expanding the supply of homes is the best way to make homeownership more affordable for Americans. (Joshua Lott/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Trump also discussed his plan to ban institutional investors from buying large numbers of homes, citing the experience of a State of the Union guest who he said was outbid for 20 homes by “gigantic investment firms that bypassed inspection. Paid all cash and turned those houses into rentals, stealing away her American dream.”
The president said that stories like those prompted his executive order banning large investment firms from buying homes and called on Congress to make the ban permanent, adding that, “We want homes for people, not for corporations.”
Trump’s order directs federal regulators to promote home sales to individuals and to issue guidance preventing federal programs from facilitating single-family home sales to Wall Street investors. The order also mandates antitrust scrutiny of institutional home purchases and calls on Congress to codify the changes into law.
TRUMP MOVES TO BLOCK WALL STREET FROM BUYING SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES IN SWEEPING NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER

Lower interest rates bring more buyers into the market, which can push home values higher. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
Jake Krimmel, senior economist at Realtor.com, said of the move that, “In particular, large institutional investors represent a relatively small share of the national housing stock, and because their activity is often highly localized, it remains an open question whether banning new purchases would meaningfully shift metro-level markets.”
National Association of Home Builders CEO Jim Tobin said that his organization has been engaged with the administration to push policies that could help lower the cost of building new homes, adding that “corporate investment in housing has been a driver of new home construction.”
Wall Street firms including Blackstone, American Homes 4 Rent and Progress Residential have bought thousands of homes since the 2008 financial crisis prompted a wave of foreclosures. Firms owned about 3% of all single-family rental homes by June 2022, government data showed.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Those firms dispute that their investments have stoked inflation in housing prices, with Blackstone noting it has been a net seller of homes for the last decade.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Business
FDA recalls 55,000 pounds frozen blueberries over potential Listeria
Check out what’s clicking on FoxBusiness.com.
Federal regulators have announced a recall of 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries over potential Listeria contamination that could pose a life-threatening risk.
Oregon Potato Company — a family-owned business in Salem specializing in frozen and dehydrated potatoes, vegetables, and fruits — has flagged 55,689 pounds of individually quick-frozen blueberries, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.
While the notice was made on Feb. 12, regulators on Tuesday upgraded it to a Class 1 recall, with officials warning that exposure to the potential Listeria monocytogenes “could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The product was distributed across several U.S. states, including Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as throughout Canada.
MORE THAN 191,000 AROEVE AIR PURIFIERS RECALLED OVER OVERHEATING, FIRE RISK

Roughly 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries have been recalled over listeria contamination risk. (Stefan Sauer/picture alliance via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The product was not sold directly to consumers in retail stores but instead moved between businesses within the supply chain, the FDA said.
The recall, which was initiated via email, remains ongoing.
The affected items include 30-pound cases with expiration dates from July 23, 2027, to July 24, 2027, bearing lot codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1, and 2065 B3. They are packaged in polyethylene bags within corrugated cases, a specialized dual-layered design.
Regulators stated that 1,400-pound totes were also affected, with lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, both expiring on Nov. 25, 2027. The product is packaged in polyethylene liners within Gaylord totes, which are heavy-duty, industrial-grade plastic bags placed in large bulk-shipping containers.
RECALL ISSUED FOR MORE THAN 12K ADULT BED RAILS OVER ENTRAPMENT, ‘RISK OF DEATH’

Microscopic look at listeria. (BSIP/UIG / Getty Images)
L. monocytogenes is generally transmitted where food is harvested and processed in manufacturing or production environments.
Listeria monocytogenesis is a disease-causing bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, leading to symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.

A sign for the Food And Drug Administration is seen outside the headquarters on July 20, 2020, in White Oak, Maryland. ((Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images) / AP Newsroom)
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
While healthy adults rarely become seriously ill from a Listeria infection, the disease can cause severe—and sometimes fatal—symptoms in unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Business
GameStop (GME) Stock Trades Near $24 as Retail Interest Reignites, CEO Acquisition Vision Fuels Speculation
GameStop Corp.’s stock has stabilized near $24 in late February 2026, closing at $23.92 on February 25 after a modest 0.63% gain, as renewed retail investor enthusiasm and CEO Ryan Cohen’s comments on pursuing transformative acquisitions keep the meme stock in focus despite ongoing challenges in the core retail business.

As of February 25, 2026, GameStop (NYSE: GME) traded in a session range of $23.71 to $24.11 with volume around 800,000 to several million shares across recent days. The shares have risen about 15% year-to-date in 2026, recovering from earlier weakness and trading well above 2025 lows near $20 but far below the all-time highs from the 2021 squeeze. Market capitalization hovers around $10.6 billion to $10.7 billion.
The recent uptick reflects a mix of retail momentum and strategic commentary from Cohen. In January 2026 interviews and filings, Cohen outlined ambitions for a “very big” acquisition of a publicly traded consumer company that could dramatically reshape GameStop’s profile and potentially increase its value significantly. Reports suggested a deal could target a consumer megadeal worth billions, positioning GameStop as a holding company with stronger growth prospects beyond declining physical game sales. A social media post in February declaring “We’ll take a million” further sparked speculation among retail traders about bold moves or share repurchases.
GameStop’s cash position—bolstered by prior equity raises—provides flexibility for such pursuits. The company holds billions in cash equivalents, enabling potential transformative investments while core operations face structural pressures. Revenue continues to trend lower due to digital game distribution shifts, with Q3 2025 (fiscal third quarter ended October 2025) showing $821 million, down 4.57% year-over-year. Profitability has improved through aggressive cost controls, including store closures—GameStop is expected to shutter around 470 locations by early 2026—and a focus on higher-margin segments like collectibles and partnerships.
Recent developments include insider activity supporting confidence. CEO Ryan Cohen purchased 1 million shares in prior periods for over $21 million, with additional buys from executives and directors in January and February 2026. Institutional moves show mixed signals, with some additions and reductions, but retail forums and options activity remain elevated. A February social media post hinting at ambitious targets ignited discussions about potential mergers or buybacks.
Analysts debate valuation amid the narrative shift from meme volatility to capital allocation play. Consensus leans cautious, with average 12-month price targets around $13.50 to $15, implying downside from current levels and reflecting skepticism about sustainable profitability. Some models suggest intrinsic value as low as $11.91, while optimistic retail-driven estimates reach $220, highlighting the wide gap between fundamental views and speculative enthusiasm. P/E ratios sit elevated at around 25-28x recent earnings, with forward guidance tied to cost discipline and any acquisition success.
GameStop’s next earnings report, for fiscal Q4 2025 (ended January 2026), is expected March 24, 2026, before market open, with a conference call the following day. Traders anticipate updates on holiday sales, store optimization, cash deployment, and progress toward Cohen’s strategic goals. Positive surprises on margins or deal announcements could extend gains; continued revenue softness might pressure shares.
The company has explored partnerships, including with Cineverse for film promotions and PSA for collectibles grading, diversifying beyond traditional gaming retail. However, core challenges persist: declining foot traffic in brick-and-mortar stores, competition from digital platforms, and a shrinking physical game market. Analysts note GameStop’s evolution into a cash-rich entity with acquisition potential, but execution risks remain high in a competitive consumer landscape.
Retail sentiment on platforms like Reddit and X continues to drive volatility, with “diamond hands” holders emphasizing long-term bets on Cohen’s vision. Institutional coverage remains limited, with some firms maintaining Sell or Reduce ratings due to structural headwinds in retail gaming.
GameStop’s trajectory in 2026 hinges on balancing legacy operations with bold strategic moves. Cohen’s acquisition focus and the company’s cash hoard offer upside potential if a transformative deal materializes, while retail enthusiasm could sustain momentum. As earnings approach, investors watch for signs of progress beyond meme status toward a redefined business model.
Business
Escalante amends bail to get jet access
Gaming billionaire Laurence Escalante has faced court to amend his bail and suppression order in a bid which could see him gain access to his private jet.
Business
MTU Aero Engines Shares Fall After Outlook Narrowly Misses Expectations
MTU Aero Engines MTX 1.10%increase; green up pointing triangle shares fell after the German aircraft-engine manufacturer gave cash-flow and earnings guidance for 2026 that, at the midpoint of its ranges, came in slightly below consensus expectations.
Shares in MTU were down 7.7% in European afternoon trading, reducing the stock’s year-to-date gain to 3.3%.
Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
Business
ADCO wins $163m hockey centre redevelopment contract
Ground has broken for construction of the $163 million Australian Hockey Centre at Curtin University’s Bentley campus.
Business
Neal West, Kaiser Aluminum EVP, sells $608k in shares

Neal West, Kaiser Aluminum EVP, sells $608k in shares
Business
AMD Stock Rallies on Meta Chip Deal
Business
Home Prices Ended 2025 Stronger Than Expected. Where Buyers and Sellers Are Looking.
Home Prices Ended 2025 Stronger Than Expected. Where Buyers and Sellers Are Looking.
Business
Oil climbs as US-Iran tensions keep supply risks in focus

Oil climbs as US-Iran tensions keep supply risks in focus
Business
Export uncertainty may dull domestic momentum for solar companies
“Companies with minimal or no exports to the US will also be impacted by CVD. They face indirect risk, if export volumes from peers are redirected to India. Increased domestic supply could pressure module realisations,” Sweta Jain, research analyst, Anand Rathi Institutional Equities told ET. Indian exports may also look at other alternative markets in Africa or the Middle East and North Africa region, she added.
Companies rely on the US due to higher realisations. Imposition of CVD will wipe out the price advantage that previously allowed Indian manufacturers to earn superior margins.
Agenciesinventory glut could hit local biz; stocks slide
Waaree Energies tried to soothe investors’ nerves by saying the company’s exports will not be impacted by CVD. “The company has been progressively strengthening its US-based manufacturing footprint as part of its long-term strategy to support localized production,” Waaree Energies said in a statement communicated to stock exchanges on Wednesday. It has an aggregate US module manufacturing capacity of approximately 2.6 GW, which will be expanded to approximately 4.2 GW by the end of the current financial year. It had a total installed capacity of 23 GW at the end of December 2025.
The stock of Waaree Energies fell 10.5%, the sharpest among peers, to ₹2,709 on BSE. Shares of Vikram Solar and Premier Energies dropped 5.5% and 6.3%, respectively.
Additionally, companies catering to solar firms also took beating. Solex Energy, maker of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and EPC services provider for solar projects, plunged 8% while Waaree Renewable Technologies fell 3% on Wednesday.
The CVD has also eroded the future revenue visibility of Indian manufacturers that view the US as a key market for diversification and higher-margin exports. Companies that plan to increase their US exposure, invest in export-oriented capacity, or secure long-term supply contracts will now find those strategies commercially unviable under the steep duty regime. Investors will keenly watch further developments and any fruitful negotiations with the US government resulting in partial or full roll back of duties would offer a major relief.
-
Video6 days agoXRP News: XRP Just Entered a New Phase (Almost Nobody Noticed)
-
Politics4 days agoBaftas 2026: Awards Nominations, Presenters And Performers
-
Fashion5 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Boden – Corporette.com
-
Sports2 days agoWomen’s college basketball rankings: Iowa reenters top 10, Auriemma makes history
-
Politics2 days agoNick Reiner Enters Plea In Deaths Of Parents Rob And Michele
-
Sports7 days agoClearing the boundary, crossing into history: J&K end 67-year wait, enter maiden Ranji Trophy final | Cricket News
-
Crypto World2 days agoXRP price enters “dead zone” as Binance leverage hits lows
-
Business4 days agoMattel’s American Girl brand turns 40, dolls enter a new era
-
Business3 days agoLaw enforcement kills armed man seeking to enter Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, officials say
-
Tech1 day agoUnsurprisingly, Apple's board gets what it wants in 2026 shareholder meeting
-
NewsBeat4 hours agoManchester Central Mosque issues statement as it imposes new measures ‘with immediate effect’ after armed men enter
-
NewsBeat3 days ago‘Hourly’ method from gastroenterologist ‘helps reduce air travel bloating’
-
Tech3 days agoAnthropic-Backed Group Enters NY-12 AI PAC Fight
-
NewsBeat3 days agoArmed man killed after entering secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, Secret Service says
-
Politics3 days agoMaine has a long track record of electing moderates. Enter Graham Platner.
-
Business1 day agoTrue Citrus debuts functional drink mix collection
-
NewsBeat1 day agoPolice latest as search for missing woman enters day nine
-
Crypto World1 day agoEntering new markets without increasing payment costs
-
Sports3 days ago
2026 NFL mock draft: WRs fly off the board in first round entering combine week
-
Crypto World6 days ago83% of Altcoins Enter Bear Trend as Liquidity Crunch Tightens Grip on Crypto Market
