Interest rates

Card debt, which fell during the pandemic, is at a record $986 billion, according to the New York Fed. Delinquencies are rising too.

The number of companies debuting IPOs in 2022 hit its lowest level in years. Just 181 companies went public then compared to over 1,000 in 2021. Experts say this year looks a little brighter.

Higher interest rates and inflation still spark anxiety. But wages have grown, and some have a greater feeling of financial security.

In 2022, consumer credit increased 7.8% from the year before. But in December, the growth in borrowing decelerated.

The dollar's strong because the Federal Reserve's been raising interest rates.

Some analysts say acceptance plays a role in the recent increase of home sales.

Wages increased 1% in Q4. Inflation is also slowing. All that could impact whether — and by how much — the Fed hikes interest rates.

In Southern California and South Carolina, businesses are looking for loans. But in the Midwest, owners are hesitant to borrow.

Some officials want a 0.75% rate hike at the next meeting. Others think a 0.5% increase is enough.

We don’t yet know if the Fed's rate hikes have fully shown up in the economy. That could take many months.