16
May
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 16, 2016

Last week's economic news included reports on retail sales and consumer sentiment along with weekly releases on new jobless claims and mortgage rates. Retail sales jumped 1.30 percent in April as compared to the March reading of 0.30 percent. Retail sales excluding the automotive sector rose from 0.40 percent growth in March to 0.80 percent growth in April. Both retail sales reports exceeded expectations. Growth in consumer spending suggests higher confidence in economic conditions and may lead potential homebuyers to consider buying rather than renting their homes. Consumer sentiment jumped in May to a reading of 95.8 as compared to…
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25
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, , ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 25, 2016

Last week's scheduled economic news included releases from the National Association of Home Builders, Housing Starts, and Existing Home Sales. Weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released.  The National Association of Realtors® reported that sales of previously owned homes rose to 5.46 million sales on an annual seasonally adjusted basis in December. This reading surpassed expectations of 5.21 million sales and November's reading of 4.76 million sales. November's low reading was in part affected by new mortgage rules, which delayed some closings into December. Economic factors pushing housing markets include low driven by falling fuel…
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10
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, , ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 11, 2016

The first week of 2016 was quiet concerning housing and mortgage related news, but reports on construction spending and several labor-related reports were released. Construction spending is connected to housing markets as it provides evidence of builder confidence and also future housing supply. Labor market trends provide a sense of economic performance in general and can influence potential buyers on decisions about buying or not buying homes. Construction Spending Dips in November According to the Commerce Department, construction spending dropped by 0.40 percent in November to a seasonally adjusted annual reading of $1.12 trillion. November's reading was short of the…
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21
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, , , ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 21, 2015

Last week's scheduled economic reports included the NAHB Housing Market Index, Housing Starts, FOMC statement and Fed Chair Janet Yellen's press conference. In addition to weekly reports on jobless claims and mortgage rates, inflation reports were also released. Builder Confidence Slips, Housing Starts Increase According to the NAHB / Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for December, home builder confidence slipped by one point to a reading of 61 as compared to an expected reading of 63 and November's reading of 62. December's reading was three points higher year-over-year. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders than fewer are confident about…
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07
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, , ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 07, 2015

Multiple economic reports released last week indicate further improvement in economic conditions. Pending home sales, construction spending and ADP payrolls increased while Non-farm Payrolls fell and the national unemployment rate held steady. The details: Pending Home Sales, Construction Spending Increase According to the Commerce Department, pending home sales increased by 0.20 percent in October as compared to September's reading of -2.30 percent. Construction spending of 1.00 percent for October exceeded September's reading of 0.60 percent growth and expectations that October's reading would hold steady with a growth rate of 0.60 percent. Increased construction spending suggests that home builders may increase…
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30
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, , ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 30, 2015

Although last week's economic calendar was cut short by the Thanksgiving holiday, several housing-related reports were released. The FHFA reported on third quarter results for its Housing Market Index and the Commerce Department reported on new home sales for October. Freddie Mac released its weekly report on mortgage rates and data on new weekly jobless claims was also released. FHFA, Commerce Department report Gains for Home Prices, New Home Sales Home prices for mortgages associated with mortgages owned or backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac increased 1.30 percent during the quarter ended September 30. This was the 17th consecutive…
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