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2026 Economic & Global Mobility Outlook: Key Insights for HR Leaders
Economic & Housing Outlook and Global Mobility: What’s Next?
NEI Global Relocation closed out the 2025 Talent Agility Webinar Series with a forward-looking discussion on the economic and housing forces shaping global mobility decisions in the year ahead. With more than 100 corporate HR and mobility leaders joining from around the world, the conversation focused on how organizations can stay agile as uncertainty and complexity continue to redefine workforce planning.
The session was moderated by Cindy Beitel, CRP, SVP of Global Client Relations, and opened by NEI Chief Experience Officer Janell Anderson, CRP. Together with our presenters, the panel guided participants through emerging trends and practical considerations designed to help mobility leaders navigate what’s next.
The webinar centered on two timely issues:
- The 2026 Economic & Housing Outlook
- Global Mobility in a Dynamic Economy
Session 1: 2026 Economic and Housing Outlook
In the first session, Selma Hepp, SVP and Chief Economist for Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), shared a comprehensive update on the U.S. economy and housing market, highlighting key data points and trends shaping economic conditions and residential mobility decisions.
Key Data and Trends Summary:
- U.S. economy shows mixed results
- The economy remains powered by high-income household spending and AI investment boom, but the outlook is softer heading into 2026
- Job growth slowing as firms facing higher costs and policy uncertainty restraining hiring
- Mortgage rates remain elevated
- Mortgage rates remain one of the biggest constraints for buyers
- Rates will continue their slow slide but remain high relative to the pandemic era.
- Home sales slowly recovering
- Mid-Atlantic and West Coast saw more sales activity in 2025, but sales fell in South
- Home price growth slowed following big increases in 2021 and 2022; forecast is a 2.6% increase in 2026 compared to 2025’s 1.9% increase
- Inventory growth is easing market pressure
- National housing market will remain in balance, averaging 4.6 months of supply
- Projected 8.9% increase in active listings in 2026, marking a third consecutive year of gains
- Home prices are cooling but forecast remains positive with regional divergence
- Sun Belt and Western markets weakening, Northeast and Midwest continue with robust gains
- Risks persist
- Impact of natural disasters on home insurance and non-mortgage costs rising
- Mortgage delinquencies rising among low-down payment, lower income households
Session 1 - Key Takeaways for Mobility Professionals
2026 Outlook — Challenges Remain
Looking ahead to 2026, several headwinds continue to shape the economic and housing environment. Housing affordability remains strained for many households, even as lower population growth points to softer long-term demand. At the same time, labor markets are gradually cooling, reducing some of the pressure seen in recent years. Credit conditions are also expected to remain cautious, as the risk of financial shocks has not fully abated. Layered on top of these dynamics, ongoing global uncertainty continues to weigh on both business decision-making and overall economic sentiment.
Tailwinds Evident
Despite these challenges, a number of supportive factors remain in play. Strong wealth creation among higher-income households continues to bolster consumer spending, providing resilience in certain segments of the economy. Interest rates are also expected to trend lower as economic growth slows, which could offer relief to both consumers and businesses. If inflation and rates decline, sentiment should improve, though this may be partially offset by persistent global uncertainty. Additionally, a continued undersupply of new-build homes is likely to support home values, though potential policy responses or stimulus measures warrant close attention.
On Balance
Taken together, the near-term outlook points to modest growth, reflecting the combined effects of tariffs, fading fiscal tailwinds, restrictive Federal Reserve policy, and a projected softening in equity markets. At the same time, expectations for lower interest rates should gradually improve consumer sentiment and borrowing capacity, helping to support housing demand and broader economic activity as conditions evolve.
Session 2: Global Mobility in a Dynamic Economy
Kayla Conrad, CRP, Director, Global Client Relations at NEI, shared updates on economic growth & global affordability, international trade, labor market dynamics, visa & immigration issues and relocation ROI.
Key Data and Trends Summary:
- Cost of Living Pressures: Global inflation remains elevated, significantly increasing expenses for housing, food, transportation, and services.
Impact on Relocation: COLA reviews must occur quarterly or semi-annually, with hardship allowances applied where necessary. Relocation budgets may rise by 15-to-30 percent in high-inflation locations.
- Housing Market Volatility: Rising rental costs, higher mortgage rates, and increasing home values continue to strain housing programs.
Impact on Relocation: Housing budgets increase, temporary housing becomes harder to secure, and home sale and purchase programs grow more complex and expensive.
- Currency Fluctuations: Volatility affects salaries, allowances, and overall mobility budgets.
Impact on Relocation: Allowances should be reviewed quarterly, with exchange-rate protection or shadow payrolls considered to maintain equity and cost control.
- International Trade / Logistics: Shipping costs remain elevated due to fuel surcharges, container shortages, and customs delays.
Impact on Relocation: Longer lead times, increased use of partial shipments and furnished housing, and higher overall relocation costs.
- International Trade / Logistics: Shipping costs remain elevated due to fuel surcharges, container shortages, and customs delays.
Impact on Relocation: Longer lead times, increased use of partial shipments and furnished housing, and higher overall relocation costs.
- Visa, Immigration, and Geopolitical Risks: Stricter immigration policies, geopolitical instability, and compliance complexity increase assignment risk and cost.
Impact on Relocation: Longer lead times, higher compliance costs, and the need for proactive risk and immigration portfolio management.
- Relocation ROI and Employee Expectations: Economic pressure demands stronger justification of relocation spend, while employees seek flexibility, transparency, and wellbeing support.
Impact on Relocation: Greater use of analytics and KPIs, expansion of flexible program options, and more employee-centric policies to drive retention and performance.
Session 2 - Key Takeaways for Mobility Professionals
Organizations are recalibrating global mobility programs to manage cost volatility and align more closely with business strategy. This includes dynamic cost modeling, scenario planning, and clearer ROI frameworks, alongside more flexible policy designs such as core-flex and alternative packages that reduce cost while supporting local integration.
Companies are also shifting work to lower-cost strategic hubs, increasing permanent transfers and short-term assignments in place of traditional expatriate models, and selectively reserving long-term assignments for critical needs. These changes are supported by greater use of technology, stronger supplier partnerships, and enhanced employee communication, as mobility decisions are increasingly shaped by inflation, housing and currency fluctuations, immigration complexity, talent shortages, and geopolitical risk.
2025 TAS Session Conclusion
The final session of NEI’s 2025 Talent Agility Webinar Series delivered practical insight into the forces shaping global talent mobility today and in the years ahead. For HR and global mobility teams, the discussion highlighted important strategic variables to consider when shaping future mobility policies and budget assumptions.
Mark your calendar for our 2026 Talent Agility Symposium Event to be held October 19 and 20th in Omaha. More details and invites to come.
Please contact your NEI representative or visit www.neirelo.com for more information .
The above article is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your tax, legal, or accounting advisors before making any decisions or transactions.
2026 Economic & Global Mobility Outlook: Key Insights for HR Leaders
Economic & Housing Outlook and Global Mobility: What’s Next?
NEI Global Relocation closed out the 2025 Talent Agility Webinar Series with a forward-looking discussion on the economic and housing forces shaping global mobility decisions in the year ahead. With more than 100 corporate HR and mobility leaders joining from around the world, the conversation focused on how organizations can stay agile as uncertainty and complexity continue to redefine workforce planning.
The session was moderated by Cindy Beitel, CRP, SVP of Global Client Relations, and opened by NEI Chief Experience Officer Janell Anderson, CRP. Together with our presenters, the panel guided participants through emerging trends and practical considerations designed to help mobility leaders navigate what’s next.
The webinar centered on two timely issues:
- The 2026 Economic & Housing Outlook
- Global Mobility in a Dynamic Economy
Session 1: 2026 Economic and Housing Outlook
In the first session, Selma Hepp, SVP and Chief Economist for Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), shared a comprehensive update on the U.S. economy and housing market, highlighting key data points and trends shaping economic conditions and residential mobility decisions.
Key Data and Trends Summary:
- U.S. economy shows mixed results
- The economy remains powered by high-income household spending and AI investment boom, but the outlook is softer heading into 2026
- Job growth slowing as firms facing higher costs and policy uncertainty restraining hiring
- Mortgage rates remain elevated
- Mortgage rates remain one of the biggest constraints for buyers
- Rates will continue their slow slide but remain high relative to the pandemic era.
- Home sales slowly recovering
- Mid-Atlantic and West Coast saw more sales activity in 2025, but sales fell in South
- Home price growth slowed following big increases in 2021 and 2022; forecast is a 2.6% increase in 2026 compared to 2025’s 1.9% increase
- Inventory growth is easing market pressure
- National housing market will remain in balance, averaging 4.6 months of supply
- Projected 8.9% increase in active listings in 2026, marking a third consecutive year of gains
- Home prices are cooling but forecast remains positive with regional divergence
- Sun Belt and Western markets weakening, Northeast and Midwest continue with robust gains
- Risks persist
- Impact of natural disasters on home insurance and non-mortgage costs rising
- Mortgage delinquencies rising among low-down payment, lower income households
Session 1 - Key Takeaways for Mobility Professionals
2026 Outlook — Challenges Remain
Looking ahead to 2026, several headwinds continue to shape the economic and housing environment. Housing affordability remains strained for many households, even as lower population growth points to softer long-term demand. At the same time, labor markets are gradually cooling, reducing some of the pressure seen in recent years. Credit conditions are also expected to remain cautious, as the risk of financial shocks has not fully abated. Layered on top of these dynamics, ongoing global uncertainty continues to weigh on both business decision-making and overall economic sentiment.
Tailwinds Evident
Despite these challenges, a number of supportive factors remain in play. Strong wealth creation among higher-income households continues to bolster consumer spending, providing resilience in certain segments of the economy. Interest rates are also expected to trend lower as economic growth slows, which could offer relief to both consumers and businesses. If inflation and rates decline, sentiment should improve, though this may be partially offset by persistent global uncertainty. Additionally, a continued undersupply of new-build homes is likely to support home values, though potential policy responses or stimulus measures warrant close attention.
On Balance
Taken together, the near-term outlook points to modest growth, reflecting the combined effects of tariffs, fading fiscal tailwinds, restrictive Federal Reserve policy, and a projected softening in equity markets. At the same time, expectations for lower interest rates should gradually improve consumer sentiment and borrowing capacity, helping to support housing demand and broader economic activity as conditions evolve.
Session 2: Global Mobility in a Dynamic Economy
Kayla Conrad, CRP, Director, Global Client Relations at NEI, shared updates on economic growth & global affordability, international trade, labor market dynamics, visa & immigration issues and relocation ROI.
Key Data and Trends Summary:
- Cost of Living Pressures: Global inflation remains elevated, significantly increasing expenses for housing, food, transportation, and services.
Impact on Relocation: COLA reviews must occur quarterly or semi-annually, with hardship allowances applied where necessary. Relocation budgets may rise by 15-to-30 percent in high-inflation locations.
- Housing Market Volatility: Rising rental costs, higher mortgage rates, and increasing home values continue to strain housing programs.
Impact on Relocation: Housing budgets increase, temporary housing becomes harder to secure, and home sale and purchase programs grow more complex and expensive.
- Currency Fluctuations: Volatility affects salaries, allowances, and overall mobility budgets.
Impact on Relocation: Allowances should be reviewed quarterly, with exchange-rate protection or shadow payrolls considered to maintain equity and cost control.
- International Trade / Logistics: Shipping costs remain elevated due to fuel surcharges, container shortages, and customs delays.
Impact on Relocation: Longer lead times, increased use of partial shipments and furnished housing, and higher overall relocation costs.
- International Trade / Logistics: Shipping costs remain elevated due to fuel surcharges, container shortages, and customs delays.
Impact on Relocation: Longer lead times, increased use of partial shipments and furnished housing, and higher overall relocation costs.
- Visa, Immigration, and Geopolitical Risks: Stricter immigration policies, geopolitical instability, and compliance complexity increase assignment risk and cost.
Impact on Relocation: Longer lead times, higher compliance costs, and the need for proactive risk and immigration portfolio management.
- Relocation ROI and Employee Expectations: Economic pressure demands stronger justification of relocation spend, while employees seek flexibility, transparency, and wellbeing support.
Impact on Relocation: Greater use of analytics and KPIs, expansion of flexible program options, and more employee-centric policies to drive retention and performance.
Session 2 - Key Takeaways for Mobility Professionals
Organizations are recalibrating global mobility programs to manage cost volatility and align more closely with business strategy. This includes dynamic cost modeling, scenario planning, and clearer ROI frameworks, alongside more flexible policy designs such as core-flex and alternative packages that reduce cost while supporting local integration.
Companies are also shifting work to lower-cost strategic hubs, increasing permanent transfers and short-term assignments in place of traditional expatriate models, and selectively reserving long-term assignments for critical needs. These changes are supported by greater use of technology, stronger supplier partnerships, and enhanced employee communication, as mobility decisions are increasingly shaped by inflation, housing and currency fluctuations, immigration complexity, talent shortages, and geopolitical risk.
2025 TAS Session Conclusion
The final session of NEI’s 2025 Talent Agility Webinar Series delivered practical insight into the forces shaping global talent mobility today and in the years ahead. For HR and global mobility teams, the discussion highlighted important strategic variables to consider when shaping future mobility policies and budget assumptions.
Mark your calendar for our 2026 Talent Agility Symposium Event to be held October 19 and 20th in Omaha. More details and invites to come.
Please contact your NEI representative or visit www.neirelo.com for more information .
The above article is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your tax, legal, or accounting advisors before making any decisions or transactions.
2026 Economic & Global Mobility Outlook: Key Insights for HR Leaders
Economic & Housing Outlook and Global Mobility: What’s Next?
NEI Global Relocation closed out the 2025 Talent Agility Webinar Series with a forward-looking discussion on the economic and housing forces shaping global mobility decisions in the year ahead. With more than 100 corporate HR and mobility leaders joining from around the world, the conversation focused on how organizations can stay agile as uncertainty and complexity continue to redefine workforce planning.
The session was moderated by Cindy Beitel, CRP, SVP of Global Client Relations, and opened by NEI Chief Experience Officer Janell Anderson, CRP. Together with our presenters, the panel guided participants through emerging trends and practical considerations designed to help mobility leaders navigate what’s next.
The webinar centered on two timely issues:
- The 2026 Economic & Housing Outlook
- Global Mobility in a Dynamic Economy
Session 1: 2026 Economic and Housing Outlook
In the first session, Selma Hepp, SVP and Chief Economist for Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), shared a comprehensive update on the U.S. economy and housing market, highlighting key data points and trends shaping economic conditions and residential mobility decisions.
Key Data and Trends Summary:
- U.S. economy shows mixed results
- The economy remains powered by high-income household spending and AI investment boom, but the outlook is softer heading into 2026
- Job growth slowing as firms facing higher costs and policy uncertainty restraining hiring
- Mortgage rates remain elevated
- Mortgage rates remain one of the biggest constraints for buyers
- Rates will continue their slow slide but remain high relative to the pandemic era.
- Home sales slowly recovering
- Mid-Atlantic and West Coast saw more sales activity in 2025, but sales fell in South
- Home price growth slowed following big increases in 2021 and 2022; forecast is a 2.6% increase in 2026 compared to 2025’s 1.9% increase
- Inventory growth is easing market pressure
- National housing market will remain in balance, averaging 4.6 months of supply
- Projected 8.9% increase in active listings in 2026, marking a third consecutive year of gains
- Home prices are cooling but forecast remains positive with regional divergence
- Sun Belt and Western markets weakening, Northeast and Midwest continue with robust gains
- Risks persist
- Impact of natural disasters on home insurance and non-mortgage costs rising
- Mortgage delinquencies rising among low-down payment, lower income households
Session 1 - Key Takeaways for Mobility Professionals
2026 Outlook — Challenges Remain
Looking ahead to 2026, several headwinds continue to shape the economic and housing environment. Housing affordability remains strained for many households, even as lower population growth points to softer long-term demand. At the same time, labor markets are gradually cooling, reducing some of the pressure seen in recent years. Credit conditions are also expected to remain cautious, as the risk of financial shocks has not fully abated. Layered on top of these dynamics, ongoing global uncertainty continues to weigh on both business decision-making and overall economic sentiment.
Tailwinds Evident
Despite these challenges, a number of supportive factors remain in play. Strong wealth creation among higher-income households continues to bolster consumer spending, providing resilience in certain segments of the economy. Interest rates are also expected to trend lower as economic growth slows, which could offer relief to both consumers and businesses. If inflation and rates decline, sentiment should improve, though this may be partially offset by persistent global uncertainty. Additionally, a continued undersupply of new-build homes is likely to support home values, though potential policy responses or stimulus measures warrant close attention.
On Balance
Taken together, the near-term outlook points to modest growth, reflecting the combined effects of tariffs, fading fiscal tailwinds, restrictive Federal Reserve policy, and a projected softening in equity markets. At the same time, expectations for lower interest rates should gradually improve consumer sentiment and borrowing capacity, helping to support housing demand and broader economic activity as conditions evolve.
Session 2: Global Mobility in a Dynamic Economy
Kayla Conrad, CRP, Director, Global Client Relations at NEI, shared updates on economic growth & global affordability, international trade, labor market dynamics, visa & immigration issues and relocation ROI.
Key Data and Trends Summary:
- Cost of Living Pressures: Global inflation remains elevated, significantly increasing expenses for housing, food, transportation, and services.
Impact on Relocation: COLA reviews must occur quarterly or semi-annually, with hardship allowances applied where necessary. Relocation budgets may rise by 15-to-30 percent in high-inflation locations.
- Housing Market Volatility: Rising rental costs, higher mortgage rates, and increasing home values continue to strain housing programs.
Impact on Relocation: Housing budgets increase, temporary housing becomes harder to secure, and home sale and purchase programs grow more complex and expensive.
- Currency Fluctuations: Volatility affects salaries, allowances, and overall mobility budgets.
Impact on Relocation: Allowances should be reviewed quarterly, with exchange-rate protection or shadow payrolls considered to maintain equity and cost control.
- International Trade / Logistics: Shipping costs remain elevated due to fuel surcharges, container shortages, and customs delays.
Impact on Relocation: Longer lead times, increased use of partial shipments and furnished housing, and higher overall relocation costs.
- International Trade / Logistics: Shipping costs remain elevated due to fuel surcharges, container shortages, and customs delays.
Impact on Relocation: Longer lead times, increased use of partial shipments and furnished housing, and higher overall relocation costs.
- Visa, Immigration, and Geopolitical Risks: Stricter immigration policies, geopolitical instability, and compliance complexity increase assignment risk and cost.
Impact on Relocation: Longer lead times, higher compliance costs, and the need for proactive risk and immigration portfolio management.
- Relocation ROI and Employee Expectations: Economic pressure demands stronger justification of relocation spend, while employees seek flexibility, transparency, and wellbeing support.
Impact on Relocation: Greater use of analytics and KPIs, expansion of flexible program options, and more employee-centric policies to drive retention and performance.
Session 2 - Key Takeaways for Mobility Professionals
Organizations are recalibrating global mobility programs to manage cost volatility and align more closely with business strategy. This includes dynamic cost modeling, scenario planning, and clearer ROI frameworks, alongside more flexible policy designs such as core-flex and alternative packages that reduce cost while supporting local integration.
Companies are also shifting work to lower-cost strategic hubs, increasing permanent transfers and short-term assignments in place of traditional expatriate models, and selectively reserving long-term assignments for critical needs. These changes are supported by greater use of technology, stronger supplier partnerships, and enhanced employee communication, as mobility decisions are increasingly shaped by inflation, housing and currency fluctuations, immigration complexity, talent shortages, and geopolitical risk.
2025 TAS Session Conclusion
The final session of NEI’s 2025 Talent Agility Webinar Series delivered practical insight into the forces shaping global talent mobility today and in the years ahead. For HR and global mobility teams, the discussion highlighted important strategic variables to consider when shaping future mobility policies and budget assumptions.
Mark your calendar for our 2026 Talent Agility Symposium Event to be held October 19 and 20th in Omaha. More details and invites to come.
Please contact your NEI representative or visit www.neirelo.com for more information .
The above article is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your tax, legal, or accounting advisors before making any decisions or transactions.
