United States · Country watch

U.S.-China Trade Truce Extended, Mortgage Rates Rise

The U.S. and China extend their trade truce, while mortgage rates surpass 7%, impacting the housing market.

Florent Kalfon · September 25, 2026 · 16 sources

The picture Mixed

Business conditions in the U.S. are mixed as the U.S.-China trade truce extension provides stability, but rising mortgage rates challenge the housing market. Press freedom is upheld with the restoration of media access to the White House.

In this briefing Javier David · U.S. housing market · Scott Bessent · United States · China · Tim Kelly · Donald Trump · CNN · MS NOW · Politico

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

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Safety & health

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Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

finance

U.S. mortgage rates surpass 7% amid inflation

trees beside white house — Phil Hearing / Unsplash

U.S. mortgage rates have exceeded 7% for the first time since May 2024, driven by ongoing inflation and geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in Iran. CBS News reports that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has reached this level as financial markets react to increased borrowing costs and economic uncertainty. The rise in rates is expected to impact homebuyers and the real estate market significantly, as higher costs may deter potential buyers and slow down housing market activity.

Impact Homebuyers face increased costs as the 30-year mortgage rate surpasses 7%, affecting affordability and market activity.

Sources: CBS News ↗

Trade

finance
logistics

U.S.-China trade truce extended by two months

The United States and China have agreed to extend their trade truce by two months, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The truce, initially set to expire in November, will now continue until January 10. This extension comes as both countries work to resolve outstanding issues and fulfill deliverables. The extension coincides with Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit, highlighting the importance of ongoing negotiations. CNBC reports that the move aims to maintain stability in trade relations between the two economic powers.

Impact Importers and exporters between the U.S. and China see continued stability as the trade truce extends to January 10.

Sources: The New York Times ↗, CNBC ↗

Politics

public-sector

Judge blocks Trump’s ban on CNN, MS NOW, Politico

A U.S. District Judge, Tim Kelly, has blocked President Donald Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from accessing the White House. The judge ruled that the ban, which was announced on September 18, was unconstitutional and ordered the immediate restoration of press credentials for the affected outlets. This decision ensures that these media organizations can continue their coverage of the White House without restrictions. The New York Post reports that the ruling emphasizes the importance of press freedom in the U.S.

Impact Media organizations regain White House access, ensuring continued coverage and press freedom.

Sources: Forbes ↗, New York Post ↗, CBS News ↗, CNBC ↗

Also today in United States

Treasury yields continue to rise after 10-year hit 19-year high as investors ramp-up rate hike bets — CNBC
Shoppers squeezed by surging inflation and higher interest rates — ABCNews.com
Fed Just Moved: 3 REITs That Win Most When Rates Rise — Seeking Alpha
Why Do the Trade Wars Keep Coming for Your Whiskey? — The New York Times
Oracle Stock Slides After Company Issued ‘Force Majeure’ Notice For Major Data Center Project — Forbes
Japan's 10-year bond yield hits 30-year high following sell-off in Treasurys — CNBC
Rates Spark: The Overshoot Commences — Seeking Alpha
Switzerland is keeping rates at 0% — for now — CNBC

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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