Wall Street Breakfast Podcast: Rates Higher, Demand Grows

Mortgage rates continue to rise, but housing market is gradually improving. Netflix hiking subscription plans to pay for $20B content budget.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:53am

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The latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey showed 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.38% as of March 26, up from 6.22% last week but below 6.65% in the same period a year ago. Netflix is raising the price of all its subscription plans by at least a dollar to help pay for the company's higher content budget, expected to rise to $20B this year. The prolonged partial government shutdown has disrupted airport security leading to staffing shortages and longer wait times at airport checkpoints.

Why it matters

Rising mortgage rates can impact housing affordability and demand, while Netflix's price hike could affect subscriber growth and retention. The government shutdown's impact on airport security highlights the broader effects of political gridlock on critical infrastructure and public services.

The details

Freddie Mac's chief economist Sam Khater noted that 'the housing market continues to show gradual improvements compared to a year ago amid recent rate volatility.' Purchase and refinance applications are up year-over-year, but rates have increased week over week. Netflix says it needs the extra money from the subscription price hike to help pay for the company's higher content budget, expected to rise to $20B this year. This includes a slate of live events, including the World Baseball Classic in Japan, podcasts, and a new license deal with Sony. The prolonged partial government shutdown has disrupted airport security, leading to staffing shortages and longer wait times at airport checkpoints.

  • Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Survey was conducted as of March 26, 2026.
  • Netflix last raised its subscription fees in January 2025.
  • The prolonged partial government shutdown has been ongoing for several weeks.

The players

Freddie Mac

A government-sponsored enterprise that provides mortgage financing in the United States.

Sam Khater

Freddie Mac's chief economist.

Netflix

An American subscription streaming service and production company.

Sony

A Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation.

President Donald Trump

The 45th president of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The housing market continues to show gradual improvements compared to a year ago amid recent rate volatility.”

— Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist

What’s next

The Senate still needs to approve the Department of Homeland Security funding bill, which would provide funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and address the staffing shortages and longer wait times at airport checkpoints.

The takeaway

The combination of rising mortgage rates, Netflix's price hikes, and the disruptions caused by the government shutdown highlight the complex economic and political factors impacting consumers and businesses. These developments underscore the need for policymakers and companies to carefully navigate these challenges to support economic growth and stability.