The nice thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from.

The nicest thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from.

Energy costs, which act as a tax on consumer budgets, are taking a smaller bite out of consumer pocketbooks. There is, therefore, more money available to spend on other (non-energy) things.

Frankly, I think that's healthy. Property has gotten so expensive, maybe people are getting a little bit of sticker shock.

Our guess is that long-term rates will begin to drift up later this year, albeit modestly.

This is coming in an environment where consumers are being challenged by higher interest rates and energy prices.