Essential sectors of the economy but also both have been the source of vulnerabilities and crises.
Updated for August 2026


SOURCES
- https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/july-home-sales-fell-after-higher-mortgage-rates-scared-off-buyers-4820b994?mod=Searchresults&pos=1&page=1
- https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-08-25-2026/card/consumer-confidence-home-prices-and-sales-econ-data-recap-7UUPx7KSqljIiJaJohCm?mod=Searchresults&pos=1&page=1





