Housing has emerged as one of the most significant stress points in today’s economy, particularly for lower-income households. “As rents climb at a pace faster than overall inflation, these costs consume a disproportionate share of income, leaving little room for discretionary spending,” says Jack Janasiewicz, Portfolio Manager and Lead Portfolio Strategist, Natixis Investment Managers Solutions. “Combined with slowing wage growth, this dynamic creates a widening gap between those who can absorb higher housing costs and those who cannot.”