Trump's Davos speech put affordability front and center. Here's what the data says.

"America's economy has never been stronger. At least that's what President Donald Trump told the Davos audience on Wednesday. From gasoline and housing, to healthcare and credit cards, Trump framed his economic agenda as one centered on affordability. Trump repeatedly credited his policies for lowering everyday costs, and promised more savings in the future. But the reality is slightly different."

"What Trump said: "The price of gasoline is now below $2.50 a gallon in many states... Soon it will be averaging less than $2 a gallon." What's happening: The average price of gasoline in the US was $2.81 a gallon as of January 19, nearly half of what it was during a 2022 high. Gas prices haven't been below $2 since the height of the pandemic. As of January 21, AAA reported that ten states have an average gas price at or below $2.50."

"What Trump said: "Homes are built for people, not corporations. America will not become a nation of renters. We're not going to do that. That's why I've signed an order banning large institutional investors from buying single-family homes." What's happening: Trump signed an executive order targeting institutional investors this month - but it's unlikely to have a notable impact on housing affordability. These investors only own 2 or 3% of family rental properties in the US, largely in Southern and Sun Belt cities. Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates have been trending downward over the past year, though they remain relatively high. Average rent prices have seen consistent, steep growth over the last five years."

President Donald Trump presented an affordability-focused economic agenda covering energy, housing, healthcare, and credit cards and promised further savings. Gasoline averaged $2.81 per gallon as of January 19, with ten states reporting averages at or below $2.50 on January 21, while gas prices remain above pandemic lows. An executive order targets large institutional investors buying single-family homes, but such investors own roughly 2–3% of family rental properties concentrated in Southern and Sun Belt cities. Thirty-year mortgage rates have trended downward over the past year yet remain relatively high, and average rent prices have risen steeply over five years.

Read at Business Insider