In one poll, 44% of respondents say they’re stressed about the economy. Meanwhile, 34% say they’re optimistic.

Rates now average nearly 29%, according to Bankrate. By comparison, the typical rate for a standard Visa or Mastercard is around 21%.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury briefly hit 5%, the highest level since 2007. A resilient economy and expanding debt are pushing rates up.

Jerome Powell spoke Oct. 19 and said the Federal Open Market Committee would be “proceeding carefully.”

The number of completed homes rose last month. But further up the housing pipeline, homebuilders are starting fewer projects right now.

Companies like Target, Walmart and Kohl’s held sales this week aimed at holiday shoppers, and Amazon just wrapped up its second Prime Day event of the year.

Only a quarter of small businesses say they’re getting the credit they need, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.

Announcing its decision yesterday, the Fed also signaled it could hike rates one more time before year’s end.

Consumers facing high energy prices and other burdens may cut back on spending, cooling the economy but, the Fed hopes, not sending it into recession.

People motivated to buy or sell homes in this market are often hitting significant milestones, from babies and back-to-office mandates to downsizing and retirement.