DEI Backlash Didn't Keep White Men From a Boardroom Minority
For the first time, White male directors overall slipped to just under half.
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Jeff Green is a reporter for Bloomberg News' Equality team. He covers topics ranging from diversity in the workplace to the battle over corporate policies. You can share feedback with me here.
So, this week I wrote about the White male minority in US boardrooms, which comes at a very surprising time. But first...
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Check out CNET Money's weekly mortgage rate forecast for a more in-depth look at what's next for Fed rate cuts, labor data and inflation. Despite forecasts of gradually falling mortgage rates, the housing market remains largely unaffordable for most prospective buyers. The average 30-year fixed rate has remained close to 7% for the last seven months, leading to cost-prohibitive monthly payments. The average interest rate for a standard 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.90% today, a decrease of -0.07% compared to one week ago. The average rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage is 6.11%, which is a decrease of -0.05% since last week. Further compounding the financial pressure on borrowers are high home prices and the skyrocketing cost of ownership due insurance and property taxes. Median family income has not kept pace with the surge in housing costs, requiring many households to earn double or triple their salary to afford a modest home in some cities. 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In short, it will be difficult for mortgage rates to drop below 6% without the risk of a job-loss recession. Fannie Mae now expects rates around 6.1% by the end of 2025 and 5.8% by the end of 2026. According to Smith, mortgage rates could move lower slowly and steadily, but numerous risks could keep rates elevated. Which mortgage term and type should I pick? Each mortgage has a loan term, or payment schedule. The most common mortgage terms are 15 and 30 years, although 10-, 20- and 40-year mortgages also exist. With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate is set for the duration of the loan, offering stability. With an adjustable-rate mortgage, the interest rate is only fixed for a certain amount of time (commonly five, seven or 10 years), after which the rate adjusts annually based on the market. Fixed-rate mortgages are a better option if you plan to live in a home in the long term, but adjustable-rate mortgages may offer lower interest rates upfront. 30-year fixed-rate mortgages The average interest rate for a standard 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.90% today. A 30-year fixed mortgage is the most common loan term. It will often have a higher interest rate than a 15-year mortgage, but you'll have a lower monthly payment. 15-year fixed-rate mortgages Today, the average rate for a 15-year, fixed mortgage is 6.11%. Though you'll have a bigger monthly payment than a 30-year fixed mortgage, a 15-year loan usually comes with a lower interest rate, allowing you to pay less interest in the long run and pay off your mortgage sooner. 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages A 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage has an average rate of 6.16% today. You'll typically get a lower introductory interest rate with a 5/1 ARM in the first five years of the mortgage. 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Boost your credit score: You can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a 620 credit score, but a higher score of at least 740 will get you better rates. Pay off debt: Experts recommend a debt-to-income ratio of 36% or less to help you qualify for the best rates. Not carrying other debt will put you in a better position to handle your monthly payments. Research loans and assistance: Government-sponsored loans have more flexible borrowing requirements than conventional loans. Some government-sponsored or private programs can also help with your down payment and closing costs. Shop around for lenders: Researching and comparing multiple loan offers from different lenders can help you secure the lowest mortgage rate for your situation.
