News

If I see consumer confidence deteriorate, I wouldn't be surprised either.

Golden Ten Data, April 14 – According to a recent report released by U.S. White House economists, there is a shortage of at least 10 million single-family homes in the United States, a figure higher than some previous estimates by both the U.S. government and the private sector. The latest annual “President’s Economic Report” from the White House Council of Economic Advisers states, “If single-family home construction and inventory growth had not declined sharply after 2008, but rather maintained its historical pace, there would now be 10 million or more additional single-family homes.” In November 2024, the government-controlled Freddie Mac indicated that, based on demand driven by population growth, the U.S. housing supply gap stands at 3.7 million homes. In June 2021, the National Association of Realtors estimated a 5.5 million home shortage by comparing trends from the past 20 years with the construction rates between 1968 and 2000. This report comes as policymakers across Washington aim to show voters that they are taking action on high housing prices. Elevated housing costs are a key issue in the upcoming midterm elections and are expected to center around affordability.

The Chilean government expects annual copper production to reach 6 million metric tons in the next four to five years and seeks to increase output through a combination of large and medium-sized mines. Authorities are preparing to introduce incentives to boost exploration, including possible tax breaks, and are considering measures to provide greater certainty for investors, such as tax guarantees for large projects. (Reuters)