It's Tune-in Tuesdays!

Author

Jeanette Brown
May 13, 2025

Today, China’s bond game is fueling a U.S. mortgage rate flame, but let’s start with how Americans now believe 200K is the comfort zone…

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The $200K Illusion: Americans Redefine What It Means To Live Comfortably  

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“Financially comfortable,” the meaning is unreachable for many, especially when you consider Americans feel they need more than three times the median U.S. household income of about $71,000 a year to feel financially secure. A Bankrate survey found U.S. citizens want to earn over $200,000 a year to be financially comfortable. Considering the median household income for Black U.S. households in 2021 was $46,400 and more than 450,000 job cuts during the first half of 2023, the expectation of being financially secure feels out of reach for many. 

China’s Retreat On Bonds Could Push U.S. Mortgage Rates Higher                                                       

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Foreign investment particularly from China has played a stabilizing role in the U.S. housing finance system by propping up demand for mortgage-backed securities (MBS) issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. But recent shifts suggest Beijing may be pulling back. Early indicators point to China reallocating capital into hard assets like gold and decentralized stores of value like Bitcoin. With China holding a significant amount of an estimated $1.3 trillion in U.S. MBS, this potential sell-off could have massive ripple effects on American mortgage rates and housing affordability at a time when the market is already strained. 

2025 MET Gala's Economic Impact From Black Dandyism                                                       

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The 2025 MET Gala's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," inspired by Monica L. Miller’s groundbreaking book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, marks a pivotal moment for Black fashion, especially Black menswear. Dandyism is "a literary and artistic style of the latter part of the 19th century marked by artificiality and excessive refinement." This celebration of Black dandyism showcases the artistry and tenacity Black men displayed through style during the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Tune-in Tuesdays!

The U.S. and China have reached a temporary tariff truce. Given how the trade war started, Is this a sincere reset in global economics or just a pause in an ongoing power play for both parties to re-strategize?

A. “Hard Place” by H.E.R. – Both countries feel stuck between economic pain and political pride so this truce isn’t about love or trust — it’s about choosing the lesser evil in a tough moment
B. “The Man” by Aloe Blacc – This agreement could be about asserting control as each side wants to look like the rational leader on the world stage, but beneath it, there’s resentment over who holds the real power in the system
C. “Only For A Moment” by Lola Marsh – The short-term relief feels good, but there's danger beneath the surface due to unresolved tensions and mutual mistrust that could bring the pain back

What are your thoughts on this? Tune in next Tuesday to see which jam captures the prevailing sentiment!

A  |  B  |  C

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Last week’s results are in and it seems people think Rwanda may be taking in more than ‘Dirty Laundry’ by housing U.S. deportees

Beauty Brands Best Kept Secret Is That Inclusivity Wins Big                                                     

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Since the Trump crackdown, a lot of companies have eradicated their DEI initiatives and the response from their clients has sent their sales on a downward spiral. A few have taken a stand and still have their DEI initiatives in place. Diverse beauty brands that cater to a wide range of skin tones, hair textures, and cultural backgrounds that have historically been marginalized or underserved in the beauty industry are part of this wave. 

Resale Market For Luxury Watches, Cars & Wine Is Booming Thanks To Tariffs                                                   

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The rising tariffs on imported luxury goods are transforming the global luxury ecosystem. As high-end imports from Patek Philippes to Ferraris become more expensive, buyers are shifting toward the resale market, where the cultural and historical value of rare vintage items often holds more appeal than their newer counterparts. No longer a fringe market, the global luxury resale industry is projected to grow from $32.6 billion in 2021 to $51.77 billion by 2026, signaling not just an economic trend, but a redefining of what it means to buy, own, and invest in luxury. 

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Americans are like, “ Wait A Minute” is 200K enough to live in comfort? The Pussycat Dolls and Timbaland ask in our CBX Vibes!