*as of 10/4; Sources: S&P, BTC, FTSE, DJRE, GOLD

The Freddie Mac 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose 25 basis points in the last week, the largest weekly increase since 2022, reaching 7.28%, the highest level in nearly three years. This jump came as 10-year Treasury yields hit their highest mark in 20 years and global bond market yields have soared. The 30-year mortgage rate has jumped by 50 basis points in the past month and is up 125 basis points since March.

➨ TAKEAWAY: It’s hard to remember that mortgage rates dipped below 6% earlier this year before the Iran War disrupted the global economic markets. The real estate market had already been in a years-long slowdown with rates in the 6s, so it is likely the market will slow down even further as buyers’ purchasing power decreases. With further rate hikes from the Fed more likely than rate cuts, investors need to adjust their expectations because this is going to be the status quo for the near-term.

Vincent CEO Eric Cantor is joined by The Champion Fund co-founders Marques Colston and Nick Edwards to discuss the booming sports asset class and how everyday investors can access this exclusive market. The panel dives into TCF's investment into Premier League club Ipswich Town FC and shares insights on valuation, deal analysis, and future trends in sports investing.

📊 Job market softens: The U.S. economy created only 29,000 jobs in September, well below the 84,000 that were expected, and July and August revisions showed a total of 60,000 fewer jobs created than previously reported. This data points to a weakening labor market, which could dissuade the Fed from raising rates further when they meet later this month.

🏀 Kobe jersey auction: Just days after the record-breaking $12 million sale of a Michael Jordan Jersey, the most desirable Kobe Bryant jersey is coming to auction. The game-worn and signed #8 jersey was used in the 2004 NBA Finals, making it the only jersey with the distinction ever put up for auction. The most recent comparable sale for a #8 jersey was for $7 million last year.

🚀 VC deal value approaching record: Through Q3, startups have raised $726.9 billion globally from VC firms, a 90.8% gain year-over-year, and on pace to break the all-time high set in 2021. VC fundraising is also up 26% year-over-year as the sector is enjoying a rebound so far in 2026.

🏢 Student housing development narrowing: With both rent growth and college enrollment slowing, developers of student housing are focusing on college towns and cities with elite universities and large state universities.

🔆 Nuclear’s record year: Nuclear fusion and fission startups have raised more than $6 billion in 2026, by far the most ever. However, the companies that went public this year, such as X-Energy, have not fared well, which might indicate falling investor demand.

🎰 Novig fundraise: The sports prediction market startup best known for its controversial Sydney Sweeney ad raised a new round at a $2 billion valuation, quadrupling its value from February. Sweeney has an equity stake in the company, so the ad has paid off so far.

This week: The MLB and WNBA playoffs continue. Nobel Prizes will be announced, with the Peace Prize coming on Friday.

Tuesday/Wednesday: Amazon will hold its Prime Big Deal Day sales.

Friday: Sotheby’s Live From the Macallan Estate auction, which has a bottle of whiskey that could become the most expensive of all time.

Saturday: Goldin’s Fall Vintage Elite Auction, featuring a signed Babe Ruth card that could hit seven figures.

Next Monday: Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday, bond markets will be closed.