U.S. Mortgage Rates Drop; ACA Subsidies Expiry and Industry Impacts

U.S. mortgage rates decreased to a one-month low last week, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to 6.32%, encouraging increased home-purchase activity. This decline, which includes the Thanksgiving week, is based on data from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Meanwhile, Affordable Care Act subsidies that assist 24 million Americans in affording coverage are set to expire soon amid a Congressional stalemate, with no bipartisan agreement to extend the aid despite a 26% premium increase projected for 2026. This impasse poses challenges for healthcare affordability and regulatory compliance as lawmakers struggle to reach a consensus. Additionally, Delta Air Lines reported a $200 million loss in pretax profit due to the recent government shutdown, attributable to softened bookings during the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Despite this setback, travel demand remains robust, with strong bookings anticipated for 2026.