Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

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Economic Update | Week Ending September 12, 2026

Long-term Treasury yields surged this week, with the 10-year reaching its highest level in nearly three years and the 30-year hitting its highest level since 2007. The rise in bond yields pushed mortgage rates higher, creating another challenge for homebuyers and affordability. Despite the recent increase in rates, the economy continues to show resilience, employment remains solid, and underlying inflation has shown signs of gradually improving. Housing demand has also remained surprisingly resilient given the current interest-rate environment. The Core inflation rate, which excludes food and energy, was 1% below the overall inflation rate, showing that much of the uptick in inflation since the Iran conflict began is due to high energy costs. Should energy costs moderate in the months ahead, Treasury and mortgage rates could begin to ease, which would improve affordability and provide a meaningful boost to housing activity.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4% in August – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the August CPI report on Friday. It showed that the CPI rose 0.4% in August, following a 0.1% increase in July. Consumer prices were 3.4% higher than one year ago, unchanged from July’s annual rate. Much of the monthly increase was driven by energy costs, with gasoline prices jumping 3.9%. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, increased 0.3% for the month but improved slightly on a year-over-year basis, falling to 2.4% from 2.5% in July. While inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s long-term target, the continued moderation in core inflation is encouraging. The higher headline number, largely influenced by energy prices, could make the Federal Reserve more cautious as it considers the direction of interest rates in the months ahead.

The graph below shows the trajectory of the CPI rate over time. 

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of September 10, 2026, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.76%, up from 6.71% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.09%, up from 6.04% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year. 

U.S. Treasury Bonds – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.95%, up from 4.78% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 5.37%, up from 5.24% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.
Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 52,573.29, down 1.6% from 53,414.25 last week. It is up 9.4% year-to-date from 48,063.29 on December 31, 2025. The S&P 500 closed the week at 7,656.95, down 0.8% from 7,718.60 last week. The S&P is up 11.8% year-to-date from 6,845.50 on December 31, 2025. The Nasdaq closed the week at 26,333.04, down 0.7% from 26,506.99 last week. It is up 13.3% year-to-date from 23,241.99 on December 31, 2025.

Have a great weekend!
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Mortgage Rate Update | September 10, 2026

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of September 10, 2026, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.76%, up from 6.71% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.09%, up from 6.04% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

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From the iPhone Duo to Suno Music and More! | Tech News

Dive into the week’s top headlines from across the web. We’re wrapping up the major stories you may have missed, from the iPhone Duo debut to Suno music’s record industry mash-up and more. Check out what’s happening in the world of technology and media in this week’s blog!

Apple Finally Enters the Foldable Phone Race

It’s official! Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo. The iPhone Duo serves as its first foldable smartphone and one of the company’s biggest hardware changes in years. The $1,999 device features a 5.4-inch outer display that opens into a 7.6-inch screen. Likewise, this feature of the iPhone Duo gives users a larger workspace while remaining compact enough to carry like a traditional phone. Both displays on the iPhone Duo support ProMotion, always-on functionality, and up to 3,000 nits of brightness. Additionally, the iPhone Duo runs on Apple’s new A20 Pro chip. Foldable-specific software features include two-app multitasking and FaceTime support across both screens. The iPhone Duo also comes with the ability to use the outer display as a preview when taking photos with the rear cameras. Preorders begin October 16, with the iPhone Duo arriving in stores on October 23.

Snapchat Makes Group Plans Easier to Organize

Snapchat is adding a new suite of features called Plans that lets users organize real-world meetups without leaving the app. Friends can create events for everything from birthday celebrations and weekend outings to study sessions, then invite as many as 200 people. Dynamic Bitmoji invitations update as guests respond, while the app tracks RSVPs and automatically sends reminders before an event begins. A new My Plans section on user profiles also keeps upcoming and past gatherings organized in one place. The feature gives Snapchat another way to encourage people to use the platform for everyday coordination rather than relying solely on group messaging.

Suno Launches an AI Music Model Built With Record Industry Support

AI music company Suno is releasing v6, its first model trained with licensed material from major music industry partners. The company says the new training data includes content from Warner Music Group, BMG, Believe, and user-generated material, marking a notable shift from the legal uncertainty that has surrounded previous AI music systems. V6 comes in three versions, including a free, lightweight Mini model and a more experimental Wild option designed to introduce unexpected creative variations. Suno says the new generation is significantly better at understanding musical genres and producing songs that more accurately reflect a user’s prompt. The release signals a potential new direction for generative music as technology companies and rights holders experiment with more formal licensing arrangements.

Google Search Gets More Useful During Live NFL Games

Football fans can now follow games more closely without leaving Google Search thanks to a new Live Game Feed. Searching for an NFL matchup on mobile brings up play-by-play updates, video highlights, social commentary, game recaps, and AI-powered insights under a prominent Live button. Google is also adding a carousel for quickly checking scores from other games in progress, along with more detailed player statistics such as passing touchdowns, sacks, fumbles, and rushing yards. Fantasy players can connect Yahoo Fantasy or Sleeper accounts to receive personalized AI-generated lineup insights directly within Search. College football support and additional languages are expected to follow later this month.

Prime Video Uses AI to Make Dubbing Look More Natural

Amazon is introducing an AI-powered lip-syncing feature designed to make dubbed television shows and movies feel more convincing. The technology combines artificial intelligence with visual effects to adjust an actor’s mouth movements so they better match translated dialogue recorded by human voice performers. The feature is launching first with the English-language dub of the German series Maxton Hall, covering its first two seasons and the upcoming third season. Amazon says it plans to expand the technology to additional titles after the initial rollout. The experiment reflects a broader streaming industry push to use AI behind the scenes while still keeping human performers involved in translated voice work.

EcoFlow Shrinks Its Portable Power Stations Even Further

EcoFlow’s fourth-generation River power stations are packing more battery capacity into significantly smaller and lighter designs. The River 260 Gen4 carries a 256Wh battery, while the River 520 Gen4 doubles that to 512Wh and can reportedly keep a standard U.S. refrigerator running for roughly four hours during an outage. Both models use longer-lasting LFP battery chemistry, include high-speed USB-C charging, and can function as an emergency power supply for computers. Their unusually high energy density makes them especially appealing for camping, photography, mobile work setups, and other situations where portability matters. Pricing has not yet been announced, with the River 260 Gen4 expected to begin rolling out in late 2026 and the River 520 Gen4 following in early 2027.

Sony Brings Back Its Popular XM4 Headphones

Six years after the original WH-1000XM4 became a favorite among wireless headphone buyers, Sony is reviving the design as the WH-1000XM4C. The updated model keeps the same compact folding design, QN1 processor, and four-microphone noise cancellation system while adding Bluetooth 6, a larger 10-band equalizer, and a gaming audio preset. Sony has also adjusted the sound profile to better match its newer headphones and introduced a lavender color alongside black and white. Battery life is rated at up to 27 hours with active noise cancellation, slightly below the 30 hours offered by the original XM4. The WH-1000XM4C will arrive later this fall for $300, positioning it below Sony’s newer flagship XM6 while reviving one of the company’s most recognizable headphone designs.

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Weekend Events | September 11 – September 13

As September continues on, the weekend arrives just in time for sunshine and fun! From LAWine Fest to Ventura Harvest Fest and more, we have you covered on what’s happening. Check out the weekend’s top events taking place September 11 through September 13!

Los Angeles Weekend Events | September 11 – September 13 

Jazz at LACMA

When: Until September 25

Where: LACMA | Mid-City

What: Spend a Friday evening enjoying Jazz at LACMA, one of Los Angeles’ longest-running free live music traditions. Held in the welcome plaza at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, just behind the iconic Urban Light, the series brings acclaimed jazz musicians to the museum throughout the summer. Grab a first-come, first-served seat in the plaza or bring a picnic and listen from the surrounding lawn for a relaxed evening of music and art.

Friday Night Wine Tastings

When: Until September 11 

Where: Los Feliz

What: Toast to sunset views at Barnsdall Friday Wine Tastings, one of Los Angeles’ favorite summer traditions. Set atop Olive Hill beside the historic Hollyhock House, the 21-and-over evenings pair boutique wines from Silverlake Wine with DJ sets, food trucks, and sweeping 360-degree views of the city. Bring a picnic blanket and settle in for a relaxed date night while supporting Barnsdall Park’s arts programming and historic preservation efforts.

DTLA ArtNight

When: Until December 3 

Where: MOCA | Downtown LA

What: Explore Downtown Los Angeles after hours during DTLA Artnight, a monthly celebration of the neighborhood’s creative scene. Held on the first Thursday of each month, the event brings together more than 25 galleries and local businesses for new exhibitions, special programming, and an easygoing, self-guided art crawl stretching from the Historic Core to Grand Avenue. The Museum of Contemporary Art joins the festivities with a free evening exhibition tour, making it an ideal night for discovering both established and emerging artists.

 

Westside & Beach Communities Weekend Events | September 11 – September 13 

The Old World Oktoberfest

When: September 12 – November 8

Where: Huntington Beach 

What: Raise a stein and celebrate Bavarian tradition at Old World Oktoberfest, a longtime Orange County favorite dating back to 1977. Held at Old World Village, the festivities feature German food, a lively biergarten, oompah bands, dancing, and plenty of Oktoberfest spirit from September 12 through November 8. Select days welcome families and guests of all ages, while Friday and Saturday evenings turn into a 21-and-over celebration.

Americana in the Park

When: September 13 

Where: Santa Monica

What: Spend a Sunday afternoon enjoying Americana in the Park, Santa Monica’s free outdoor concert series celebrating the many sounds of American roots music. Held at Gandara Park, the event features performances spanning blues, jazz, folk, and global influences, with artists including Albert Lee, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, Abby Posner & the Big Fall, and Jason Luckett. Bring a picnic or grab a bite from local food trucks while enjoying live music, a pop-up from McCabe’s Guitar Shop, and a special appearance by the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.

Antigone: In the Language of Kings

When: Until October 3

Where: Getty Villa | Pacific Palisades

What: Experience classical theater in a striking new setting as Latino Theater Company reimagines Sophocles’ Antigone for the Getty Villa’s annual Outdoor Classical Theater series. Staged in the museum’s open-air amphitheater, this adaptation transports the ancient tragedy to Tenochtitlan and weaves Aztec mythology into the timeless story. Arrive early to enjoy Mexican-inspired concessions before settling in for an evening of theater beneath the coastal sky.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | September 11 – September 13 

Halloween Horror Nights

When: Until November 1 

Where: Universal City

What: Spooky season officially arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood with the return of Halloween Horror Nights. This year’s after-dark event features terrifying haunted houses inspired by Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser, Evil Dead Burn, Ozzy Osbourne, and Sinners, plus sinister scare zones and the park’s infamous Terror Tram. Running on select nights from September 3 through November 1, it’s a fright-filled kickoff to Halloween season for horror fans.

LAWineFest

When: September 12 – September 13 

Where: Los Angeles Equestrian Center | Burbank

What: Raise a glass at the 21st anniversary of this women-run wine festival, now taking over the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Guests can sample hundreds of wines, craft brews, and spirits from around the world while enjoying live music, food trucks, games, and artisan pop-up shops throughout the grounds. General admission includes unlimited tastings and a souvenir glass, while VIP ticket sales help support local nonprofit organizations.

Classic Films Under the Stars

When: Until September 26 

Where: Brand Park | Burbank

What: Enjoy classic cinema under the stars as the Alex Film Society brings its summer screening series to Brand Park. Settle in on the lawn for an evening of beloved films in a relaxed outdoor setting, offering movie lovers a nostalgic way to spend a summer night.

Conejo Valley | September 11 – September 13 

Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show

When: September 11 – September 13 

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds | 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura

What: Shop one-of-a-kind finds at the 54th Annual Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show, returning to the Ventura County Fairgrounds September 11–13. Hundreds of artists and makers will showcase more than 24,000 handcrafted pieces, from jewelry and ceramics to home décor, clothing, specialty foods, and holiday gifts. Along with shopping, the family-friendly weekend features live demonstrations, strolling entertainment, contests, and a KidZone, with a portion of the event supporting local charities.

3rd Annual Lima Bean Fest

When: September 12 

Where: 1251 Gottfried Pl, Oxnard

What: Celebrate a quirky piece of Ventura County’s agricultural heritage at the 3rd Annual Lima Bean Fest at the Oxnard Historic Farm Park. This free, family-friendly afternoon features a lima bean tasting contest, live music, games, children’s crafts, historic site tours, and exhibits exploring the crop’s connection to the region. Visitors can also pick up lima beans to take home while enjoying a relaxed day at the historic farm.

TOArts Hosts Inaugural Spotlight Arts Festival

When: September 13 

Where: 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks

What: Celebrate the Conejo Valley’s creative community at the inaugural Spotlight Arts Festival, presented by TOArts at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center. This free afternoon festival brings together local artists, musicians, theater companies, and cultural organizations for live performances, artist booths, hands-on activities, live painting, and behind-the-scenes theater tours. Guests can also enjoy DJ music, creative activities for all ages, and complimentary bites while discovering the region’s vibrant arts scene.

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Best Vegan Restaurants in Los Angeles | L.A. Eats

Los Angeles was doing plant-based dining long before it became a national trend. Today, the city’s vegan and vegetarian restaurants are less concerned with substitutions and more interested in making genuinely good food. You can find handmade Italian pasta, Ethiopian platters, spicy Thai curries, stacked deli sandwiches, and tacos that happen to skip the meat.

As of September 2026, the best vegan restaurants in Los Angeles include longtime neighborhood institutions and a few exciting newcomers. Whether you eat plant-based every day or simply want an excellent dinner, these 10 spots deserve a place on your list.

Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine

Location: 1047 S Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90019

A Little Ethiopia fixture for more than two decades, Rahel makes a strong case for ordering family-style. The combination platter arrives with fava bean ful, lentils, zucchini, mixed vegetables, and plenty of injera for scooping everything up. Bring friends and share.

Civico 2064

Location: 2064 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Civico 2064 serves traditional Italian dishes alongside a complete vegan menu, making it particularly useful for mixed dining groups. Plant-based choices include Caprese with house-made rice mozzarella, vegan calamari, and fettuccine al funghi with slow-cooked mushroom ragù.

Bulan Thai Vegetarian Kitchen

Location: 4114 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Bulan Thai has been quietly serving some of the best vegan food in Los Angeles for years. Favorites include mock duck curry, roasted kabocha squash seasoned with Thai spices, and fiery plant-based chicken. The cozy Silver Lake dining room is equally suited to a casual dinner or weeknight takeout.

Simply Wholesome

Location: 4508 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043

Simply Wholesome takes an inclusive approach to dining, with plenty for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free guests. Tofu omelets, veggie burgers, tacos, enchiladas, smoothies, and hearty plates make this a reliable option from breakfast through dinner.

Crossroads Kitchen

Location: 8284 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Crossroads Kitchen helped prove that plant-based dining could feel every bit as polished as a traditional fine-dining restaurant. Chef Tal Ronnen’s menu includes French onion soup, Neapolitan-style pizzas, spicy rigatoni, and an impressive weekend brunch. It remains one of the best vegan restaurants in Los Angeles for a proper night out.

Men & Beasts

Location: 2100 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026

One of the newer names on the list, Men & Beasts brings a vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu to Echo Park. Seitan char siu and plant-based chicken tenders with sweet sambal showcase a playful mix of flavors. There is also an intimate 24-seat lounge offering a tea ceremony.

Justine’s Wine Bar

Location: 2029 Blake Avenue #102, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Justine’s Wine Bar sits beside beloved vegan bakery Just What I Kneaded, pairing plant-based drinking snacks with wine, beer, and wine cocktails. Moroccan cigars and pizza fit the mood, while pink seating, floral murals, and checkered floors give the room plenty of personality.

Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher & Deli

Location: 5933 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Maciel’s takes the classic neighborhood deli and makes it entirely plant-based. The Highland Park shop stacks its house-made vegan meats into Reubens, Italian subs, wraps, and breakfast burritos. For a casual lunch, it ranks among the best vegan restaurants in Los Angeles.

El Cocinero Restaurant

Location: 6265 Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 12, Van Nuys, CA 91411

El Cocinero is proof that vegan Mexican food does not need to play it safe. The Van Nuys taqueria serves tacos, tortas, burritos, and nachos piled with house-made vegan meats. Save room for the vegan flan.

Chicana Vegana

Location: 113 E Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832

For those willing to venture farther south, Chicana Vegana is worth the drive. The family-run Fullerton restaurant serves loaded nachos, taquitos, street tacos, burgers, and sopes in a laid-back setting.

From longtime staples to inventive newcomers, the best vegan restaurants in Los Angeles show just how broad plant-based dining has become. Meatless or not, these are simply restaurants worth knowing.

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The Perfect Temecula Harvest Season Staycation | Out & About

September marks the most exciting time of year in Southern California’s premier wine region: harvest season. Known locally as “crush season,” this energetic window brings vibrant vineyard activity, golden vine canopies, and the rich aroma of ripening grapes across the valley. Just a short drive from Los Angeles and San Diego, planning a Temecula harvest season staycation offers an effortless autumn retreat filled with world-class wine, scenic views, and seasonal festivities. If you are craving a scenic Temecula weekend getaway this fall, here is how to spend an unforgettable weekend immersed in wine country at its peak.

Check In to Luxury Among the Vines 

A memorable Temecula harvest season staycation requires an exceptional wine country resort. For Tuscan-style elegance, book a private bungalow at Carter Estate Winery and Resort, where sweeping vineyard views and private patios create a serene sanctuary.

Right next door, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers lush villas tucked directly into the vines, complete with an award-winning spa for post-tasting relaxation. Staying on-site at an estate winery allows you to wake up steps from the grapes and experience the quiet magic of the valley before morning tasting rooms open to daytime visitors.

Take Flight in a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon

 Kick off your morning with one of the valley’s most iconic autumn experiences: a sunrise hot air balloon flight over misty vineyards. Early fall brings crisp, calm morning air, making September ideal for soaring above rolling hills and sun-drenched vine rows. As you drift gently overhead, you will catch a bird’s-eye view of harvest crews hard at work picking grapes at first light. Conclude your flight with a traditional champagne toast before heading to The Vineyard Rose Restaurant for a farm-to-table breakfast on a sunlit patio.

Experience Crush Season & Grape Stomps 

September elevates a standard wine tasting into an immersive harvest celebration. Book a private vineyard tour at Ponte Winery or Bottaia Winery to learn about the crush process firsthand. Additionally, you can sample estate vintages directly from tasting rooms and see wine production in active motion. Many local wineries also host high-energy grape stomping festivals and harvest winemaker dinners throughout September. Guests can step into authentic wine barrels for a fun, hands-on harvest tradition paired with gourmet cuisine under the stars.

Explore Old Town Temecula and Al Fresco Dining 

Beyond the tasting rooms along Rancho California Road, spend a late afternoon strolling through historic Old Town Temecula. This charming district features rustic 1890s wooden boardwalks, boutique shopping, artisanal olive oil tasting bars, and craft speakeasies.

As evening falls, return to the vineyards for an outdoor dinner at The Restaurant at Ponte. Here, you’ll enjoy seasonal California-Mediterranean dishes served alongside award-winning wines under bistro lighting.

Plan Your Autumn Escape Without the Travel Stress 

The magic of a Temecula harvest season staycation lies in its seamless blend of rustic agricultural heritage and modern luxury. A quick scenic drive lands you directly in the heart of California wine country. Enjoy the season, à la floating above misty morning vines, sipping rich Cabernet, or dining among the autumn leaves. September is the ultimate month to recharge and experience Temecula at its absolute finest.

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Fall Home Decor Ideas That Still Feel Light and Refined | Home Tips

Fall in Southern California does not always arrive with a dramatic chill in the air. More often, it slips in quietly. The light softens, evenings feel a little calmer, and the home begins to ask for subtle warmth after summer. For Los Angeles luxury homeowners, seasonal decorating is less about heavy layers and more about creating an elegant, grounded atmosphere.

The best fall home decor ideas feel natural to how we live here. Think warm neutrals, soft textures, sculptural branches, and seasonal fragrance. It is fall, but with restraint; a little less pumpkin patch, a little more polished California retreat.

Start with Warm Neutrals

A refined fall palette begins with warmth. Instead of deep oranges, consider cream, camel, taupe, warm gray, and soft brown. These colors add depth while keeping interiors light and airy. Swap bright white pillows for warmer ivory tones, or add a camel-colored throw to a lounge chair. Among the simplest fall home decor ideas, updating your color palette creates an immediate shift.

Bring in Olive Branches and Greenery

Florals do not need to disappear when summer ends. Trade bright blooms for greenery with a sculptural feel. Olive branches are a beautiful choice because they feel timeless and connected to the coastal landscape. Place tall branches in a ceramic vessel on an entry console or dining table. A single thoughtful arrangement often feels far more luxurious than several smaller accents.

Layer Linen Throws and Soft Textures

Texture is where fall decorating comes alive. Linen throws, boucle pillows, wool blends, and woven baskets add comfort while maintaining a clean look. In Southern California, you may not need heavy blankets early in the season, but a lightweight throw over a sofa creates an inviting feel. Thoughtful texture remains one of the most timeless fall home decor ideas for neutral interiors.

Style with Ceramic Vessels and Natural Materials

Ceramic vessels, stone bowls, and hand-thrown pottery bring a quiet quality to fall interiors. Group two or three ceramic pieces on a mantel, or fill a large bowl with artichokes, figs, or walnuts for a seasonal centerpiece. Incorporating natural materials is one of the most versatile fall home decor ideas for elevated living.

Choose Darker Florals with Restraint

If you love flowers, fall is the ideal time for moodier arrangements. Burgundy dahlias, chocolate cosmos, deep plum ranunculus, and cream garden roses feel romantic and refined. Keep arrangements low for dining tables or place a dramatic bouquet in the foyer. Used sparingly, darker florals add richness without overpowering a space.

Add a Subtle Seasonal Scent

Scent is the final layer of seasonal styling. Choose fragrances that feel warm but light: amber, fig, sandalwood, cedar, and soft spice. A reed diffuser in the entryway or a candle in the living room subtly elevates the home. The most memorable fall home decor ideas often engage all the senses without being overpowering.

Create a Softer Seasonal Shift

Decorating for fall does not require a complete redesign. With warm neutrals, olive branches, linen throws, and subtle fragrance, your home can embrace the season effortlessly. For Los Angeles luxury homeowners, finding inspired fall home decor ideas is about atmosphere, ease, and making your space feel beautifully in season.

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Economic Update | Month Ending September 5, 2026

Economic data released this week continued to show that the U.S. economy remains resilient despite higher costs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. The service sector, which represents the largest part of the economy, strengthened considerably in August, with business activity and new orders posting some of their strongest readings in several years. Manufacturing also remained in expansion territory for the eighth consecutive month. Consumer and business demand remain solid, although higher energy prices and other input costs continue to create inflation concerns. Stocks were volatile during the holiday-shortened week and finished lower Friday as investors weighed stronger economic data against the possibility that the Federal Reserve may need to keep monetary policy tighter for longer. Overall, the economy continues to perform better than many had expected, with solid economic activity providing a favorable backdrop as we head into the fall, although inflation remains the biggest uncertainty.

The jobs market showed a significant improvement in August – The August jobs report provided some encouraging news about the strength of the economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that U.S. employers added 162,000 jobs, the strongest monthly gain in five months and far above economists’ expectations. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at a relatively low 4.1%. Average hourly earnings increased 3.1% from one year ago, slightly higher than the 3.0% annual increase recorded the previous month. There was also some good news in revisions to earlier reports: June and July employment gains were revised upward by a combined 55,000 jobs, with July revised from a previously reported loss of 23,000 jobs to a gain of 21,000. The labor force also grew by 683,000 people in August, while the number of people working part-time because they could not find full-time work declined by 414,000. Overall, the report suggests that the labor market, which had appeared to be slowing considerably, remains more resilient than previously thought. The stronger employment numbers are positive for the overall economy, although they could make the Federal Reserve more cautious about lowering interest rates as it continues to monitor inflation.

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of September 3, 2026, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.71%, up from 6.66% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.04%, up from 5.98% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

U.S. Treasury Bonds- The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.78%, up from 4.73% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 5.24%, up slightly from 5.22% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.
Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 53,414.25, down 0.3% from 53,559.99 last week. It is up 11.1% year-to-date from 48,063.29 on December 31, 2025. The S&P 500 closed the week at 7,718.60, up 1.4% from 7,611.76 last week. The S&P is up 12.8% year-to-date from 6,845.50 on December 31, 2025. The Nasdaq closed the week at 26,506.99, up 0.4% from 26,402.42 last week. It is up 13% year-to-date from 23,241.99 on December 31, 2025.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

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Mortgage Rate Update | September 3, 2026

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday, Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of September 3, 2026, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.71%, up from 6.66% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.04%, up from 5.98% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

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From a New Era at Apple to GTA VI and More! | Tech News

The world of tech and media is abuzz with the latest drops, ventures, and major moves. From a new era officially beginning at Apple to the long-awaited GTA VI and more, we have the top stories. Check out what you may have missed this week in the tech news world!

iRobot Introduces a Roomba That Seals Itself to Carpet

iRobot is introducing the Roomba Max 875 Combo, a new flagship robot vacuum and mop built around a cleaning system called SealForce. When the vacuum detects carpet, a skirt lowers around the cleaning head to create a tighter seal and direct airflow deeper into the fibers, which iRobot says can deliver three times deeper carpet cleaning. The $1,199 model also offers 35,000Pa of suction, LiDAR and camera-based navigation, an anti-tangle brush, and a roller mop with a heated ThermaMist feature for pretreating stains. Its accompanying dock automatically empties debris, washes the mop with hot water, and dries it with hot air, while a less expensive $899 Roomba Plus 678 Combo offers many of the same core features. The new lineup marks a notable product push for iRobot under new owner Picea Robotics as the company works to regain ground in an increasingly competitive robot vacuum market.

Sony Turns Up the Volume With New ULT Party Speakers

Sony is expanding its ULT Power Sound collection with three new tower-style speakers aimed at parties, events, and other large gatherings. The ULT Tower Max, Tower 7, and Tower 5 add USB-C, RCA, and XLR connections, giving users more flexibility to connect microphones, instruments, mixers, and other wired audio equipment. Up to 100 LEDs provide synchronized light effects while also offering visual feedback for settings such as battery life and Bluetooth pairing. At the top of the lineup, the massive 121-pound Tower Max costs $1,499.99 and combines four tweeters, two midrange drivers, and three large woofers for what Sony calls its most powerful ULT bass yet. The lighter Tower 7 and Tower 5 start at $649.99 and $449.99, respectively, with rechargeable battery options designed to make the speakers somewhat easier to take on the road.

John Ternus Takes Over as Apple CEO

Apple officially entered a new leadership era on September 1 as longtime hardware executive John Ternus replaced Tim Cook as CEO. Cook steps down after 15 years at the helm, a period that saw Apple expand far beyond the iPhone with products including the Apple Watch, AirPods, services, and its custom silicon strategy. Ternus, who previously led Apple’s hardware engineering organization, wasted little time signaling what comes next, telling employees that the company has a “huge launch” scheduled for the following week. That event is set for September 9 and is expected to feature new iPhones, including reports of Apple’s first foldable model. The transition puts a longtime product executive back at the top of Apple at a moment when the company faces pressure to deliver both major hardware innovation and a more competitive artificial intelligence strategy.

Dyson Puts a Camera and Automatic Flosser Inside a Toothbrush

Dyson is moving into oral care with the $499 CameraJet, an electric toothbrush that combines live video, artificial intelligence, and automatic flossing technology. A tiny camera built into the brush head can stream a view of the inside of a user’s mouth to a smartphone while an AI system analyzes 28 images every second to identify gaps between teeth. When a gap is detected, the toothbrush can respond within 100 milliseconds by directing a cone-shaped blast of mouthwash into the space, allowing brushing and flossing to happen at the same time. Dyson says the images used for detection remain on the device rather than being stored or sent to the cloud, while the brush itself oscillates nearly 1,000 times per second. Available now in ceramic blue and pink, CameraJet brings Dyson’s familiar combination of premium pricing and unconventional engineering into an entirely new part of the personal care market.

Google Lets Gemini Notebook Learn From Your Books

Google is expanding Gemini Notebook with an “Expert Intelligence” feature that lets users bring eligible books they have purchased through Google Play Books directly into the AI-powered note-taking app. Readers can ask questions about a book, generate plans and infographics, create AI podcasts, or apply ideas from the material to entirely new situations. More than 100,000 titles from publishers including Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Johns Hopkins University Press, and O’Reilly Media will support the feature at launch. Google has also partnered with select authors to create Featured Notebooks containing additional source material and introductions, while protections are designed to keep purchased book content inaccessible to people who do not own it. The company eventually plans to expand Expert Intelligence beyond books to scholarly papers, magazines, and newspapers, signaling a broader effort to turn Gemini into a personalized research and knowledge tool.

Rockstar Offers Its Biggest Look Yet at GTA VI

Rockstar Games has released a nearly 27-minute extended preview of Grand Theft Auto VI. Likewise, the early preview gives players one of their most detailed looks yet at the highly anticipated game. Captured entirely from the PlayStation 5 GTA VI version, the footage focuses heavily on protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, along with the locations and atmosphere of Rockstar’s sprawling new world. The GTA VI presentation leans more cinematic than a traditional gameplay demonstration, although it includes glimpses of shootouts, police chases, basketball, scuba diving, and other activities. Rockstar has also opened digital preorders for GTA VI, with the standard edition priced at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. Even as attention shifts toward GTA VI, Rockstar is continuing to support GTA V’s roleplaying community with Nopixel V, which begins a closed beta for invited players on September 8.

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