We're nearing a global soft landing, at least by one assessment.

I'm Nova Safo with a marketplace minute.

The International Monetary Fund expects global economic growth this year of 3.1%, an improvement from its October forecast.

The IMF says the global economy is looking healthier as inflation comes down, thanks to its

two biggest players, China and the United States, where there's strong private and public spending.

Also helping the resilient US job market, the Labor Department says there were 9 million job openings

at the end of December, slightly more than the previous month

and still elevated compared to pre-pandemic averages. Consumer confidence improved markedly

according to the conference board think tank it attributed the change to reduced

inflation and the likelihood of lower interest rates ahead.

Home prices are increasing at a faster pace according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency. they rose at an annual rate of 6.5% in November,

lack of inventory and easing interest rates have been pushing up prices.

I'm Novasafo with a marketplace minute.