21
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 21, 2020

Last week’s economic news included readings on housing market conditions, housing starts, building permits issued, and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. National Association of Home Builders Reports Record High Builder Confidence The NAHB reported record high builder confidence in housing market conditions. The Housing Market Index had an index reading of 83 in September as compared to August’s reading of 78. Analysts said that this builder confidence reading was notable due to rising costs for building materials. Component readings of the NAHB Housing Market Index also rose in September. Builder confidence in…
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14
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 14, 2020

Last week’s economic news included readings on inflation, job openings, and weekly reports on jobless claims and mortgage rates. Inflation Rate Slows in August After posting 0.60 percent growth for each month in June and July, the Consumer Price Index rose by 0.40 percent in August. These growth rates offset declines in inflation during the first three months of the COVID-19  pandemic. Used vehicle prices increased after deep discounts offered when the pandemic started; analysts said that rising prices for used vehicles offset losses in previous months and produced low inflation for August. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and…
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08
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 8, 2020

Last week’s scheduled economic news included readings on construction spending and labor sector reports on public and private sector jobs. The national unemployment rate was also reported. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. July Construction Spending Rises Construction spending rose from June’s seasonally adjusted annual pace of  $1.363 billion to $1,365 billion in July. The U.S. Census Department reports construction spending and readings are subject to adjustment. Growth in construction spending is due to a demand for homes in less congested areas.COVID-19 is creating more demand for larger homes that accommodate working from home. Mortgage…
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24
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, , ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 24, 2020

Last week’s economic news included readings from Case-Shiller on home prices, the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Indices, and sales of previously-owned homes. Readings on housing starts and building permits issued were released. Weekly reports on mortgage rates, new and continuing jobless claims were also published. NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Rises in August The National Association of Home Builders reported that builder confidence in housing market conditions rose six points to an index reading of 78.in August. The expected reading of 73 was based on July’s reading of 72. Homebuilder confidence was based on sharp demand for homes…
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13
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 13, 2020

Last week’s scheduled economic news included readings on consumer credit, job openings, jobless claims, and mortgage rates. Consumer Borrowing Declined at Slower Pace in May According to Federal Reserve data, consumer borrowing fell at a slower annual pace of -5.30 percent in May as compared to April’s reading of -20 percent. Non-revolving consumer credit, which includes vehicle and student loans, increased by 2.30 percent in May. The Federal Reserve does not report on real estate loans. Federal assistance programs including the first round of stimulus checks, additional unemployment payments and support for businesses contributed to better readings for the economy…
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18
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 18th, 2019

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on inflation, testimony by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new unemployment claims. Rising Gas Prices Fuel Jump in Inflation Consumer inflation increased at its fastest pace in seven months according to the Consumer Price Index for October. Consumer prices rose 0.40 percent and exceeded analysts’ forecast of 0.30 percent and September’s reading of 0.00 percent inflationary growth.  Analysts attributed the jump in prices to rapidly rising gasoline prices. October’s reading for core inflation, which excludes fuel and food prices, supported this view. Core inflation grew by 0.20…
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