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During my years of reporting on the housing market, I’ve paid especially close attention to mortgage rates — their daily shifts, the factors that impact them, and expert predictions about where rates are headed next. Each month, I look forward to seeing what the government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) Fannie Mae forecasts about mortgage rates and the housing market in general.And Fannie Mae dropped its March Housing Forecast this week.Fannie Mae’s March predictions for mortgage rates were more optimistic than in its February Housing Forecast, but its expectations for new construction on single-family housing worsened for most of 2026. It’s a double-edged sword: Lower mortgage rates make housing more affordable, but fewer houses on the market increases competition and can make homes more expensive.Fannie Mae predicted mortgage rates will stay under 6%Fannie Mae’s March Housing Forecast predicted that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate will remain at 6% in Q1 (which ends in a couple of weeks), but it put the 30-year rate under 6% for the rest of 2026 and 2027.For 2026, Fannie Mae forecast the mortgage rate will hit 5.9% in Q2, 5.8% in Q3, and 5.7% in Q4. The organization expected the rate to waver between 5.6% and 5.7% in 2027.As I mentioned, these predictions were better than the numbers from the GSE’s February Housing Forecast. In February, Fannie Mae expected the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to be 6.1% in Q1 and Q2 2026, then 6% all the way through the end of 2027.So what changed? To understand, we need to look at Fannie Mae’s other monthly forecast: its overall Economic Forecast.For most of 2026 and 2027, the Fannie Mae March Economic Forecast predicted slower gross domestic product (GDP) growth than in its February Economic Forecast. When the country’s GDP grows, it signifies a stronger economy. Mortgage rates typically increase when the U.S. economy thrives and decrease when it struggles. Fannie Mae’s expectations for slower GDP growth indicate a weaker economy in the next couple of years, and in this case, mortgage rates would go down.The March Economic Forecast also put the 10-year Treasury yield lower than the February Forecast. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate follows the 10-year yield more closely than any other index, so a lower yield would likely translate to home loan rate decreases.The GSE changed its expectations for single-home constructionFor the first three quarters of 2026, Fannie Mae’s March Housing Forecast predicted fewer single-family home construction starts than its February report. The organization’s latest prediction is that single-family housing starts will decrease by 6.2% year over year.However, the March report changed its tune for Q4 2026 and throughout 2027, predicting more single-family construction than it did in February. Last month, Fannie Mae expected a 2.4% increase in single-family housing starts in 2027. This month, it forecast a 5.1% increase.More on mortgage rates and the housing market:Iran war causes mortgage rate surgeTrump signed 2 executive orders to improve home affordabilityExisting-home sales exceed Goldman Sachs’ expectationsIf fewer homes are built, that means there’s less housing inventory, and homebuyer demand exceeds the supply on the market. As a result, home prices usually increase. The opposite is true: If inventory goes up, prices are steadier.Lagging inventory is a major factor in home affordability problems and one reason President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week to speed up the building process.How the Fannie Mae forecasts impact homebuyers and ownersI know that reading about a bunch of quarterly numbers and percentages can feel overwhelming. So let’s break down how the Fannie Mae March Housing Forecast affects Americans in real life.Now could already be a good time to refinance your mortgage, especially if your current interest rate is over 6%. But if you’re not ready to refinance yet, lower mortgage rates later this year give you time to save for closing costs or improve your credit score and still refinance into a lower rate in a few months.If you’re a homebuyer or seller, be prepared for home prices to stay relatively high for the next several months. Even if they don’t spike as a result of low inventory, they’re also unlikely to drop. Declining mortgage rates makes it less expensive to buy a home, lowers your monthly payment, and saves you money in interest in the long run.However, don’t try to time the real estate market. Just as Fannie Mae’s predictions changed from February to March, they could shift again in April. The housing market is unpredictable, so it’s best to focus on buying, refinancing, or selling when the time is right for you — not to hold out for lower interest rates or prices.Related: Trump signs 2 executive orders to improve home affordability

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealIn the spirit of spring cleaning, it’s only natural that our closets and dresser drawers are among the long list of things that needed to be organized and tidied up. It’s so easy to lose track of what you have, and a new season is the perfect time to cut down on your clothes, donate or toss items you don’t want or need, and regroup your existing apparel in a neat, tidy way. Nothing helps get the job done faster than a great set of organizers, made to store and protect your items, especially your seasonal ones that stay tucked away for more than a few weeks, and designed to fit easily in most closet spaces. No need to pay a fortune for quality either — you can get a great set now on Amazon for 29% off. The Fhsqx 3-Pack Storage Bins, which typically cost $40 for a set of three, are on sale for $28 right now. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, you can choose the option that best works for your needs and your space with just the click of a button. Fhsqx 3-Pack Storage Bins, $28 (was $40) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?Storage bins and organizers are aplenty on the market these days, and it can be overwhelming. But what you need to know is that the most important thing about picking the right one is focusing on affordability and function, something this set nails in both categories. The storage containers are made of a linen fabric which wouldn’t seem like a sturdy choice in material, but combined with the steel wire frame, you’re left with a durable box that does more than store your items. Linen is actually superior to other materials because it prevents musty odors and moisture buildup, while also being lightweight and allowing the boxes to fold down easily when they aren’t in use. The stackable boxes have linen fabric on all sides but one. In lieu of linen, the front of the box has clear vinyl windows that makes it easy to identify what’s stored in each box. There is also a card holder to insert a label for identification purposes. That’s also where you can access the dual zipper system which keeps items securely stored inside and makes for easy access when you need something. This specific size measures 15.7 inches long, 11.8 inches wide, and 7.8 inches high, and has a volume capacity of 22 liters, but there are four larger sizes that hold between 36 liters and 100 liters. They also come in four different colors, and have two stitches handles on the side. Related: Amazon is selling a shoe organizer for $22 that fits 32 pairs of shoesAdvertised as clothing storage, they still have other potential capabilities. Use them to store seasonal decor, bedding, children’s toys — really, anything you want. What to expect from $28 storage boxes: Pros and consProsQuality construction: The linen-covered steel metal frame ensures stability and durability while also keeping moisture and musty odors from permeating or building up inside. Various sizes: The storage boxes come in five different sizes, with storage capacities between 22 liters and 100 liters. Superior visibility: The clear vinyl window allows you to easily identify what is stored without opening the container up. ConsWeight limit: Shoppers don’t feel that the containers are sturdy enough for really heavy items like books.  Shoppers love the easy accessibility and visibility that these storage containers offer. The soft but sturdy linen makes them durable enough for storage and stacking, and they are great for seasonal clothing and other items. “Even the smallest size has great storage capacity,” one shopper said. Although some shoppers like the idea of being able to purchase each container individually, the multi-pack is a great deal for your dollar. Shop more deals Olarhike Lockable Plastic Storage Bins, $90 (was $130) at AmazonVeken 6-Pack Shower Caddy Set, $18 (was $30) at AmazonHomesure 8-Pack Storage Moving Bags, $24 (was $36) at AmazonOut with the old and in with the organized thanks to the Fhsqx 3-Pack Storage Bins that Amazon is selling for a great deal. Even if you can’t bear to part with your favorite clothing items, at least your closet will look like you made an effort.

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When planning for retirement, Social Security is an important factor to consider. But simply claiming without a strategy could be a mistake.
Here are six steps you can take to potentially increase your Social Security benefits.

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1. Work longer to raise lifetime earnings
The Social Security Administration reviews your 35 highest-earning years to determine how much you will receive in benefits. Typically, people’s earnings go up as they get older and move into senior positions. That means if you work into your 50s and 60s, your highest earning years will replace some of the lower-earning years you had when you were just getting started, potentially increasing your earnings.
2. Tap retirement savings accounts
The longer you wait to receive Social Security benefits until age 70, the more you can receive. That’s why many people use the “bridge strategy,” which entails using their retirement savings and investments before they claim Social Security.
Making these withdrawals can allow you to wait longer to get your benefits, increasing your lifetime income.
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3. Increase your current income
The more income you earn, the more you can receive in Social Security. If you can get a raise, higher-paying job or side gig to increase your income, you can also increase your future Social Security payouts.
4. Strategize with your spouse
Social Security gets a bit more complicated if you are planning with your spouse when to claim your money. If you both wait until age 70, you can both get the largest possible benefits.
But if you need extra money now, the spouse with lower lifetime earnings can tap into Social Security. That way, you can get by until the spouse with a higher lifetime income turns 70 and can take the higher payout.
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5. Leverage catch-up contributions
Leveraging catch-up contributions throughout your 50s can result in a larger nest egg and tax-deferred growth if you use traditional accounts. You can then withdraw from your 401(k) and individual retirement account (IRA) plans before claiming Social Security. If you can live off the nest egg for a few years, you will give your Social Security benefits more time to grow.
Catch-up contributions are additional contributions people over age 50 are allowed by the IRS to make to 401(k)s and IRAs.
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6. Check your Social Security record for errors
It’s possible for the Social Security Administration to make mistakes when gathering your previous income and calculating your benefit. Detecting these errors can result in you receiving the correct — and maybe a higher — benefit. You can check your history for any errors by logging into your “My Social Security” account on Social Security’s website, and report any mistakes directly to the Social Security Administration.

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Deutsche Bank (DB) on Thursday, March 12, revealed in its annual report that it had $30 billion in private credit exposure in 2025.DB reported higher fee revenues within the private-credit lending space and financing on balance sheets.Given private-credit worries at the beginning of 2026 and redemption surges at giant asset managers such as Blackstone and Blue Owl Capital, DB reports pressure within private credit and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) due to higher interest rates, a change in investor sentiment, and refinancing risks.Noted in the annual report, subprime lenders in the U.S. have failed, highlighting risks associated with private credit-raising standards in underwriting and fraud.”Mom & pop” cash meets institutional risksDB claims it is not exposed to major risk related to these NBFIs; however, it says it may face indirect credit risks through interconnected counterparties.This could, in turn, “lead to a deterioration in Deutsche Bank’s portfolio quality and higher-than-expected credit losses, as well as increased capital and liquidity demands as clients draw down on funding lines,” the annual report said.Related: Deutsche Bank Slumps After China’s HNA Trims Stake in German LenderThis acknowledgement from a traditional bank has once again brought to light the weaknesses within the “shadow banking” sector.The question is: If shadow banking risk has been identified in 2025, what does that mean for this year? Since February, after Jefferies coined the term “SaaS-pocalypse,” retail investor sentiment in the private-markets sector has been negative, especially around the concept of democratization, where institutions want to grab mom & pop’s liquid cash.

Deutsche Bank’s acknowledgement of the indirect risks it faces related to non-bank financial institutions highlights weaknesses in the “shadow banking” sector.Shutterstock

Deutsche bank software and tech exposure amid SaaS worries DB’s loan exposure in the tech sector makes up around $18.1B USD, at an amortized cost, where $8.3B is concerned with financing data centers. DB’s portfolio is concentrated primarily within U.S. corporate exposures that are 60% investment grade, and a smaller, confined appetite for lower-rated clients. If you look at DB’s intangible assets, you’ll find $1.7B related to internally generated software. What does this mean? DB is manufacturing its own software, and if the software continues to lose relevance or plunge due to AI concerns, DB has to take a sudden loss of value, also known as an “impairment.” Deutsche Bank expands on its negative investor sentiment, claiming it will affect its ability to de-risk capital markets, leading to potential losses and higher volatility.Overall, if Deutsche Bank is seeing indirect risks from the private sector, it may set another precedent for other major banks to react similarly to the shadow banking sector. Related: KKR Arctos deal reshapes sports, GP solutions platform

Remember when shopping at Target was actually fun? You’d walk in with a budget in mind and hope that by the time you left, you didn’t more than triple it. But if you’ve spent a meaningful amount of time at a Target store lately, you probably know that shopping there is now more of a chore than anything else. Target may still be your go-to store when it comes to buying essential household products or groceries. But it’s probably not your “fun shopping” destination anymore.Of course, Target is trying to change that. In a release earlier this year, Target said that it’s focusing on four growth priorities in 2026 and beyond. And one of them is to “lead with merchandising authority by setting trends with differentiated, culturally relevant assortments that win in style, design and value.”That’s certainly not a bad plan. But Target may have bigger issues to address first.Fix the stores before fixing the merchandiseFor years, Target differentiated itself from other big-box chains by offering stylish products in stores that felt clean, organized, and pleasant to shop in. In recent years, though, Target’s reputation has taken a serious hit.Retail analyst Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, says the in-store experience has deteriorated noticeably. Some specific issues include messy stores, long lines to check out at registers, and understaffing.Related: Sam’s Club fixes problem that’s a major pain point at Costco“Visiting Target stores is less pleasurable and less fun than it used to be,” Saunders told CX Dive. “There is far too much friction, and the experience is sometimes unpleasant. That’s an issue as it lowers the probability of people making visits, reduces visit frequency, and weakens conversion and basket size when people are in stores.”Saunders also pointed out that inconsistent merchandising is part of the problem. But it may also be the easiest thing for Target to fix. Changing suppliers and investing in new inventory are largely within Target’s control. What the company can’t control as much is customer perception, unless it takes major steps to address its core issues.

An expert says Target’s in-store experience has noticeably deteriorated.Shutterstock

Customers agree the Target experience has deterioratedRetail experts aren’t the only ones raising red flags about Target. Many shoppers say the Target experience simply isn’t what it used to be.As one Reddit user wrote, “There’s no reason to go to Target,” pointing out that the merchandise isn’t cheap, convenient, or trendy. More Retail:Costco sees major shift in member behaviorRetail chain shuts all locations as legal changes hit industryCostco makes major investment in online shopping for membersT-Mobile launches free offer for customers after major loss”They used to be a lot cleaner, nicer looking stores with employees you can actually find.  Now they are starting to go the way of Sears,” said another user.Given these issues, Target needs to realize that it probably won’t win customers back on the basis of better merchandise alone.Sure, it’s a step in the right direction. After all, longtime Target fans surely remember the days when the inventory was outstanding and neatly displayed to make it look too appealing to pass up.But now, Target needs to reclaim that identity. And that means focusing on operational issues in conjunction with merchandising. Until the company recreates the in-store experience that once defined the brand, its focus on better products could miss the mark.Maurie Backman owns shares of Target.Related: Dollar Tree CEO signals tough times ahead for bargain hunters