Mortgage interest rates in early February 2026 were considerably lower than they were a year prior, according to CBS News, offering some relief to homebuyers. Meanwhile, in the UK, average house prices topped £300,000 for the first time, as reported by Halifax. Elsewhere, the US and Iran held talks in Oman amid escalating tensions, and e.l.f. Beauty's CFO discussed the company's long-term investment in Super Bowl advertising.
Mortgage rates had declined to their lowest level since 2022 by the end of 2025, CBS News reported, moving closer to historic averages. This shift offered a more affordable environment for potential homebuyers and those looking to refinance.
In the UK, the average property price reached £300,077 in January, a "milestone" according to Halifax, the UK's biggest mortgage lender. However, the lender also noted that wage growth had outpaced house price inflation since 2022, potentially aiding affordability. Additionally, lenders were releasing products requiring smaller deposits to attract first-time buyers. The Bank of England hinted at potential interest rate cuts this year, which could further lower mortgage rates, according to BBC Business.
Amidst international developments, senior US and Iranian officials met in Oman for talks, as reported by BBC World. The discussions followed a US military build-up in the Middle East in response to Iran's violent repression of anti-government protests. The scope of the talks remained unclear, with both countries holding differing positions and mutual mistrust.
E.l.f. Beauty's CFO, Mandy Fields, discussed the company's strategy of investing in Super Bowl ads for long-term brand awareness, according to Fortune. Fields stated that the company's confidence in these investments stemmed from their impact on brand awareness rather than immediate returns. Brand awareness had grown from "a little over 10 five or six years ago, and today its over 40," Fields said.
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