WebCE's Weekly Wrap-Up: October 17, 2025
WebCE Staff
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October 17, 2025
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From economic signals in the latest Beige Book to new guidance from bank regulators and a major Medicare update, this week delivered a wide range of developments shaping finance, insurance, real estate, and retirement planning. Courts weighed in on bad-faith litigation, AI-driven home insurance models gained momentum, and Gen Z continued to reshape housing priorities with affordability topping their list. If you’re tracking the trends influencing clients, markets, and consumer expectations, these are the stories to watch.
This roundup brings together the most relevant articles to help keep your expertise sharp and your conversations informed. You’ll also find our featured podcast of the week, offering timely insight into how AI is reshaping real estate work and where professionals may be falling behind. Catch up below and head into the weekend ready for whatever your clients may ask next.
Let’s dive in.
Top News Stories of the Week
Beige Book – October 2025 (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System)
“Economic activity changed little on balance since the previous report, with three Districts reporting slight to modest growth in activity, five reporting no change, and four noting a slight softening. Overall consumer spending, particularly on retail goods, inched down in recent weeks, although auto sales were boosted in some Districts by strong demand for electric vehicles ahead of the expiration of a federal tax credit at the end of September.”
Fed’s Powell suggests tightening program could end soon, opens door to rate cuts (CNBC)
“Our long-stated plan is to stop balance sheet runoff when reserves are somewhat above the level we judge consistent with ample reserve conditions,” Powell said in prepared remarks. “We may approach that point in coming months, and we are closely monitoring a wide range of indicators to inform this decision.”
What's New for Medicare in 2026? Annual Open Enrollment Period Begins October 15, 2025 (WebCE Blog)
“The 2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins October 15, 2025, and runs through December 7, 2025. This year marks one of the most significant periods of change in the program's recent history. Driven by the full implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act's drug provisions, a consolidating Medicare Advantage market, and substantial cost increases in Original Medicare, the landscape your clients face is more complex than ever.”
AI-powered home insurance startup expands in risky markets (PropertyCasualty360)
“San Francisco-based Stand uses remote sensing data and collects details from homeowners such as materials used for windows and the tree species in the backyard. The startup analyzes this information using artificial intelligence technology, which it uses to simulate how wind, heat, embers and other factors stand to contribute to possible damage.”
Mississippi Supreme Court Won’t Budge on $15M Bad-Faith Decision Against USAA (Insurance Journal)
“The court ruling, stemming from litigation brought by the prominent Minor family after the storm destroyed their 130-year-old Ocean Springs home, was deemed so important that a national property insurance group, a former Mississippi governor and business groups urged the court to reconsider. The Mississippi insurance commissioner also stepped in and filed his own amicus curiae brief with the court in support of USAA.”
U.S. bank regulators drop climate risk guidance (Institutional Investor)
“The regulators said that they no longer believe that climate-specific guidance is needed because the existing rules already require banks to address all material financial risks — and, regulations devoted to climate risks could “distract from the management of other potential risks” that are addressed by their general risk management processes.”
How to Build Trust, Curiosity and Collaboration in Your Brokerage (REALTOR Magazine)
“As brokers, you know that running a successful office isn’t just about transactions and commissions. It’s about people—helping agents perform at their best, collaborate effectively, and stay engaged for the long haul.”
1 in 5 Gen Z’ers Say Housing Affordability Is Their Top Life Concern, Realtor.com® Survey (Realty Times)
“When it comes to homeownership, Gen Z is united in their concerns over affordability as 82% of those in Gen Z who own a home or hope to own a home think buying a home is harder for their generation compared to previous generations, according to a new survey from Realtor.com®. In fact, 16% of Gen Z rate housing affordability as one of their highest concerns in life.”
The Transformative Power of Emotional Intelligence (Psychology Today)
“In a world that often prizes technical expertise and academic credentials, emotional intelligence reminds us that how we show up matters just as much as what we know. It’s the difference between reacting and responding and between managing people and inspiring them.”
Most Retirees Want to Front-Load Their Spending (ThinkAdvisor)
“Research shows that retirees do spend more in real (after-inflation) terms early in retirement. Retirement spending smile research from David Blanchett, PGIM’s head of retirement research, found that real spending falls gradually throughout retirement, but the decline is sharpest in the late 70s and early 80s before health expenses begin slowing the decline in advanced age.”
Top Podcast of the Week
What Most Agents Get Wrong About AI (and How to Fix It)
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
What happens when a real estate investor turns AI strategist? From content to client care, Alejandra Teran chats with us to share how AI is already transforming the business. If you're wondering how to use AI without losing your voice (or your value), this conversation is your starting line.
Key takeaways to listen for
Why agents who resist AI are about to fall behind
What "training a GPT" actually means, and how it can save you hours every week
Surprising ways AI is reshaping how buyers and sellers find and trust agents
Common mistakes agents make with AI tools
Real examples of how to use AI in real estate
Resources mentioned in this episode
Perplexity
ChatGPT