Experian announced a new pricing initiative for VantageScore® 4.0 that aims to expand credit score competition and lower costs for the mortgage industry. The company will offer VantageScore 4.0 for $0.99 per mortgage origination score. Experian stated that the change reflects its ongoing commitment to increasing competition in credit scoring and delivering cost savings to lenders.

Experian has worked with the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and other industry stakeholders during the transition to updated credit score models. According to the company, this collaboration supports a thoughtful rollout of new scoring options. Experian also noted that it remains encouraged by the progress so far and will continue working with industry participants to help ensure responsible implementation.

The new pricing applies to a standalone purchase of VantageScore 4.0. In addition, the announcement builds on Experian’s previously introduced Score Choice bundle. Under that program, lenders who obtain a FICO® score in 2026 can access VantageScore 4.0 at no cost. Together, these options provide lenders with additional ways to obtain credit scoring models at lower costs.

Michele Bodda, president of Experian Housing, Verification Solutions, and Employer Services, said the pricing change reflects the company’s focus on delivering measurable savings through increased competition.

“Competition should translate into measurable savings,” Bodda said. “By reducing the price of a standalone VantageScore 4.0 to $0.99 while continuing to offer it at no cost through the Score Choice bundle, we are taking decisive action to help lenders lower expenses while maintaining rigorous credit standards.”

Experian also highlighted how lenders can integrate VantageScore 4.0 into their existing mortgage technology ecosystem. The score model is available across Experian’s platforms, including the Ascend Platform™, servicing tools, and capital markets solutions. These integrations allow lenders to evaluate potential portfolio impacts, validate model performance, and implement the scoring model throughout the mortgage lifecycle, from origination to secondary market execution.

According to Experian, the system also incorporates several proprietary data sources designed to strengthen predictive capabilities. These include rental payment data, trended credit data, and alternative data insights. Experian said these datasets help improve credit model performance while also supporting broader access to homeownership.

Bodda said the company’s broader objective centers on improving transparency and competition within the credit scoring market.

“Our focus is clear,” Bodda said. “Increase transparency, strengthen competition, and ensure the benefits are delivered to lenders and consumers alike.”

Experian is a global data and technology company that provides analytics, software, and data solutions across multiple industries. The company works with organizations in financial services, healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and other sectors. Its services include fraud prevention, digital marketing solutions, lending analytics, and market insights.

Experian also provides tools that help individuals manage their financial goals and make informed decisions about credit and spending.

Rising oil prices tied to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran are introducing new economic uncertainty just as the U.S. housing market enters its most active period of the year. Analysts note that the situation could influence mortgage rates, consumer confidence, and broader economic conditions.

As the conflict entered its 10th day on Monday, West Texas Intermediate crude oil reached $100 per barrel. That level has not been seen since the summer of 2022, when inflation reached a 40-year high. At the same time, fuel prices have already increased. According to AAA, the national average price for regular gasoline reached $3.48 per gallon on Monday, representing a 16% increase from the previous week.

Higher oil prices often affect a wide range of costs across the economy. Businesses that face increased fuel and transportation expenses may adjust prices for goods and services, which can influence areas such as airline travel and groceries.

President Donald Trump addressed the situation on his Truth Social platform, stating that oil prices "will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over." He also wrote that the current oil price increase "is a very small price to pay" for peace and security.

Housing Market Faces Key Timing Challenge

The increase in oil prices coincides with the beginning of the spring housing season, which typically brings the highest level of homebuying and selling activity. Economists note that economic uncertainty during this period can affect housing market momentum.

Realtor.com senior economist Jake Krimmel said the current situation echoes financial market disruptions that occurred last year following tariff announcements.

“This is the second time in as many years we have seen panic and uncertainty injected into global financial and commodities markets,” Krimmel said. “Although a tariff-driven recession never came to bear last year, economic uncertainty combined with upward pressure on interest rates was enough to short-circuit 2025’s spring housing market.”

In 2025, a combination of tariff-related headlines, reduced consumer confidence, paused Federal Reserve rate cuts, and higher mortgage rates contributed to a slowdown in housing activity. As a result, the year became one of the slowest housing markets in decades and marked the third consecutive year of declining home sales.

Krimmel noted that the early months of 2026 had shown signs of improvement before the conflict began.

Mortgage rates reached a three-year low of 5.98% in late February. At the same time, February housing data from Realtor.com showed an increase in new listings and a rise in pending home sales. These indicators suggested a potentially stronger spring housing market.

However, mortgage rates have already begun to respond to inflation concerns in financial markets. The average mortgage rate moved back above 6% last week. Analysts note that bond markets, which influence mortgage rates, often react quickly to inflation risk.

Economic Indicators Reflect Growing Concern

Some economic indicators have also shifted in response to the situation. On the prediction marketplace Polymarket, the probability of a U.S. recession in 2026 rose above 40% on Sunday. That level has not been seen since the fall of last year.

Krimmel said uncertainty alone can affect consumer behavior in the housing market.

“Like 2025, the economic panic and uncertainty alone could be enough to torpedo momentum in the housing market,” he said. “The American economy and consumer are extremely resilient overall. But when it comes to making a big decision like selling or buying a home, consumers need confidence and clarity in the near term. The events of the past 10 days are really testing that right now.”

Stagflation Concerns and Mortgage Rate Pressure

The current oil price increase has also raised discussion of stagflation, an economic condition characterized by high inflation combined with rising unemployment.

Stagflation presents challenges for central banks because the policy tools used to address inflation and unemployment typically move in opposite directions. The Federal Reserve raises interest rates to reduce inflation and lowers them to stimulate employment.

A well-known example occurred during the 1970s oil crisis. At that time, an oil embargo by Middle Eastern producers drove crude oil prices sharply higher. The result was a recession combined with rising prices. During that period, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates while unemployment increased. Mortgage rates eventually exceeded 10%, while the unemployment rate reached 9%.

A similar outcome is not certain in 2026. Analysts note that a rapid resolution to the conflict and the restoration of normal oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could stabilize energy markets and reduce inflation pressure.

However, if the conflict continues or regional shipping routes remain threatened, higher oil prices could continue to affect economic conditions.

The Federal Reserve is currently maintaining a holding pattern on interest rates. In response to potential inflation pressure, policymakers could delay anticipated rate cuts. Cleveland Federal Reserve President Beth Hammack said both economic scenarios remain possible.

“There are two-sided risks to rates,” Hammack told the New York Times. “If we see more weakness emerging in the labor market, it could mean that we need to provide more accommodation. If we don’t see inflation moving toward the target as I expect, it could mean that we need to put more restrictions on the economy.”

Although the Federal Reserve does not directly set mortgage rates, inflation expectations influence bond markets that help determine mortgage pricing. As a result, renewed inflation pressure could place upward pressure on mortgage rates and reduce affordability gains that appeared earlier in 2026.

State Farm General has reached an agreement with California regulators and consumer advocates that will allow the insurer to maintain a 17% average increase in homeowners insurance rates that took effect after the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. The settlement, submitted to a judge on March 7, 2026, follows negotiations involving the California Department of Insurance and other parties.

The agreement formalizes a $530 million emergency rate hike that Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara negotiated with the insurer in 2024. According to the California Department of Insurance, the settlement aims to provide financial relief to many policyholders while ensuring continued coverage during a period of instability in the state’s insurance market.

If approved by an administrative law judge, the settlement will move to Lara for final review.

Background on the Rate Increase

State Farm stated that the emergency rate hike was necessary due to catastrophic wildfire losses that threatened the company’s financial ratings. The insurer reported paying $6.2 billion in claims in 2025, largely related to wildfire damage. Much of that cost was offset through reinsurance payments. State Farm also told regulators it expects to pay an additional $1 billion in claims related to the fires.

The Jan. 7, 2025, firestorm destroyed at least 16,000 homes and triggered more than 42,000 insurance claims. State Farm said it has received about 13,500 fire and auto claims connected to the event.

The agreement allows State Farm to maintain an average 17% increase in homeowners insurance rates. However, the company noted that rate changes for many of its approximately 1 million California homeowners customers varied by location, with some local increases exceeding that average.

Conditions Included in the Settlement

Under the terms of the settlement, State Farm agreed to several conditions related to its California business operations.

The insurer will halt mass nonrenewals of homeowner policies during 2026. Additionally, regulators will conduct a further review of State Farm’s rates by 2027.

The settlement also includes provisions affecting other property policyholders. State Farm must return nearly two-thirds of a previously approved 15% rate increase for condominium owners. Rental property owners will receive a small refund, and renter insurance premiums may increase by 0.5%.

In a statement, State Farm said the rate increase will allow the company to continue serving existing California policyholders.

The company added that it will continue monitoring its capacity to support the risks it insures and maintain the financial strength necessary to pay claims and support customers and communities.

Previous Market Actions by State Farm

State Farm is California’s largest home insurer. In 2023, the company froze new homeowner business in the state and announced plans to nonrenew 72,000 policies. During the same period, it sought several rate increases.

Regulatory filings show that the insurer’s average homeowners' premium in California doubled between 2020 and 2024.

In mid-2024, State Farm requested approval to raise homeowners' premiums by nearly $1 billion. As part of earlier negotiations, State Farm Mutual agreed to lend $400 million to its California affiliate. However, the company did not cancel plans to drop an additional 11,000 policyholders at that time.

State Farm General operates as a California subsidiary of State Farm Mutual, the national insurance company.

Claims Handling and Consumer Complaints

The agreement does not address policyholder complaints about State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims.

Some homeowners affected by the fires have criticized the company for issues such as low payout offers, denials of requests for toxin testing, and delays in living expense payments. State Farm declined to comment on those complaints.

About 51,000 State Farm homeowners live in disaster areas still recovering from the Los Angeles firestorm. Regulatory filings indicate that some of the highest rate increases occurred in those regions.

One Malibu resident, Chad Peters, reported that his homeowners' insurance premium increased from $3,500 to $8,400 within one year. Peters also said he has spent 14 months disputing smoke and fire damage claims related to the Pacific Palisades fire.

At one point, Peters said the insurer attempted to cancel his coverage because the home had not yet been repaired.

Regulatory Review and Legislative Attention

The settlement comes as lawmakers and community advocates continue to review the state’s oversight of wildfire insurance claims.

Earlier in 2025, Commissioner Lara said he wanted to evaluate the insurer’s rate requests alongside concerns about claims handling. In June of that year, the Department of Insurance announced an expedited market conduct examination into State Farm’s practices.

During rate hearing proceedings, however, department staff sought to prevent discussion of claims handling during the evaluation of premium increases.

State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez of Alhambra previously urged regulators to delay rate hikes until the investigation concluded. She said she plans to seek additional information about the market conduct examination through a Senate inquiry into how the insurance department handled complaints.

Pérez, along with Sens. Ben Allen of Pacific Palisades and Sade Elhawary of Los Angeles, had asked the commissioner in April to postpone rate increases until the claims investigation was completed.

The Department of Insurance declined to comment further on the matter while the rate settlement remains under review by an administrative law judge.

Settlement Avoids Public Hearing

If approved, the agreement will allow State Farm to avoid a public rate hearing.

Such a hearing could have required the insurer to disclose internal information related to solvency records, mass nonrenewals, and other operational data. State Farm said releasing those details could have given competitors sensitive information.

State Farm has argued that its California business has faced increasing financial pressure as seasonal wildfires have intensified and spread into urban areas, resulting in widespread property losses.