17
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 16, 2015

Last week's economic news included an index of labor market conditions provided by the Federal Reserve, a report on small business sentiment, and a report from the Labor Department on job openings. Weekly jobless claims, Freddie Mac's mortgage rates report and a report on Consumer Sentiment rounded out the week. The details: Labor Market Conditions, Small Business Index Reports Fall According to the January reading for a labor index report released by the Federal Reserve, labor market conditions declined from December's reading of 7.3 to January's reading of 4.9. This index is based on 19 economic indicators and January's reading…
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09
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 9, 2015

Last week's economic news included construction spending, which fell shy of expectations but exceeded the prior month's spending, and several consumer and labor-related reports. The details: Mortgages More Accessible: Fed Survey A Federal Reserve survey of senior loan officers at 73 U.S. banks and 23 branches of foreign banks indicated that mortgages may be more accessible. While banks eased credit standards for mortgages eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, consumer demand for mortgages fell over the last three months. This seems puzzling given lower mortgage rates, but mortgage lending rules remain tough for borrowers with less than…
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20
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 20, 2015

Last week's scheduled economic news was mixed. Job openings increased and jobless claims increased, and consumer sentiment rose. Mortgage rates fell across the board. Labor market conditions improved and consumer prices fell in large part due to decreasing fuel prices. The details: Labor Market Conditions Index Suggests Stronger Economy, Jobless Claims Jump Positive labor market ratings continued to show evidence of strengthening economic conditions. The Federal Reserve's Labor Market Conditions Index rose from November's revised reading of 5.50 to December's reading of 6.10. This index measures 19 economic indicators and rose well above its median reading of 1.90. November's reading…
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18
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

FOMC Statement: No Year-End Surprises

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said in its last statement for 2014 that although economic conditions have improved at a moderate pace, the Fed believes that the target federal funds rate of between 0.00 and 0.25 percent remains "appropriate." While labor markets show expanding job growth and lower unemployment rates, FOMC members noted that housing markets are recovering slowly. Inflation remains below the committee's target rate of two percent; this was attributed to lower fuel costs. Household income and business investment were seen as increasing, and the underutilization of workforce resources was described as "diminishing." These developments indicate better…
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19
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

Federal Open Market Committee, Fed Chair: No Rush to Raise Rates

Wednesday's customary post-meeting statement issued by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve provided some relief to investors and analysts concerned that the Fed may soon raise its target federal funds rate. The target federal funds rate has held steady at between 0.00 and 0.25 percent since the inception of the Fed's current quantitative easing program. The FOMC statement indicated that the committee does not expect to raise the target federal funds rate until the Fed's dual mandate of maximum employment and reaching its target inflation rate is achieved. FOMC members don't expect the wind-down of scheduled…
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11
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Aug 11, 2014

Last week's housing related news was minimal, but a Federal Reserve survey of senior loan officers revealed that although credit standards for commercial and industrial loans as well as credit cards are easing, current mortgage credit standards are more stringent than in 2005. This could be a contributing factor to slowing housing market gains while other sectors of the economy are recovering at a faster pace. Qualified Mortgage Rules Impact Non-Conforming Mortgages The Senior Loan Officers survey also noted that qualified mortgage rules have slowed approval of prime jumbo mortgages and non-traditional home loans. This suggests that applicants falling outside…
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