Why are so many voters frustrated by the US economy? It’s home prices

By JOSH BOAK
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Going into this election year, the United States is slogging through a housing affordability crisis. At the root of this problem: America failed to build enough homes for its growing population. The shortage is dampening President Joe Biden’s assurances that the U.S. economy is strong. And it underscores the degree to which Republican Donald Trump has largely overlooked the shortages. If it wasn’t for shelter costs, inflation would be running at a healthy and stable 1.8%. Instead, it’s hovering around 3.2%.