And travel insurance and the Middle East
| | | | March 6, 2026 | | | | | | | | | Editor's Note: If you noticed On the Money arriving at a new time of day, we're now sending it when we think it fits your schedule best. | | | | | | | | Mortgage Rates Start With a 5 Again, and Buyers Are Noticing | | | By Debra Cope
Sub-6% mortgages are back for the first time since 2022. While we're a far cry from pandemic-era lows, breaking that psychological barrier is already pulling buyers off the sidelines and back into the fray. And lower mortgage rates mean 5.5 million more households qualify for a mortgage today versus a year ago. Here's the math. | | | | | | | | | | 18x | That's how many more customer service calls the travel insurance platform Squaremouth is seeing about travel through the United Arab Emirates and Dubai.
The recent conflict in the Middle East is impacting travelers globally because Dubai and Doha, Qatar, are two of the world's busiest transit hubs.
Travelers should know that although trip cancellation and interruption coverage typically excludes problems stemming from military action and airspace closures, some travelers could still be covered under standard travel delay benefits, according to Squaremouth. In other words, if it's the ripple effects of the conflict — an airline rerouting flights due to hub disruptions, crew rescheduling, or mechanical issues caused by tighter turnaround schedules — you may be covered.
Here's more on how travel insurance works and what's relevant in times like these. | | | | | | | | | Oil, Conflict, and Uncertainty | The conflict that erupted in the Middle East over the past week has presented a new set of challenges and uncertainty for the global economy and markets. So far, energy stocks have risen along with oil prices, but other cyclical groups have been hit by the uncertainty. Investors are jumpy and emotional, which is to be expected.
Here's how shocks of this type have played out in the past, and where the major risks and opportunities for investors can be found. | | | | | | | | | | | Informed investment decisions start with informed investors. Here's what's making headlines: | | | | | | | | |  | | Your credit score matters. Sign up to get personalized credit score updates right in this newsletter. | | | | | | | | | |  | | So far, tax refunds aren't as big as predicted. (MarketWatch) | | | | | | | | | | | Intel, insights, and inspo for your money. | | On the Money cuts through the noise of day‑to‑day financial news to bring you a more thoughtful point of view on what's important in this moment — and how it impacts your bottom line. We value your trust above all. | | | | | | | | | | Did you find today's newsletter valuable? | | | | |
| | | | INVESTMENTS AND DIGITAL ASSETS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED ‑ ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED ‑ MAY LOSE VALUE | | SoFi Checking and Savings accounts are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi Credit Cards are issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated. Sofi Crypto products and services are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A. Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender. Brokerage products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information as of March 2026 and is subject to change. Screen images simulated. [3673313] Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
In our efforts to bring you the latest updates on things that might impact your financial life, we may occasionally enter the political fray, covering candidates, bills, laws and more.
Please note: SoFi does not endorse or take official positions on any candidates and the bills they may be sponsoring or proposing. We may occasionally support legislation that we believe would be beneficial to our members, and will make sure to call it out when we do. Our reporting otherwise is for informational purposes only, and shouldn't be construed as an endorsement.
The information provided is general in nature and shouldn't be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi's affiliates and subsidiaries. Additionally, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset.
SoFi Technologies, Inc. values your privacy and the security of your personal information so please do not include sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, in any email or letter that you send to us. SoFi Technologies, Inc. 234 1st St., San Francisco, CA 94105 Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | Licenses © 2026 SoFi Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. [3673313] w: 20260306 | | | |
No comments: