What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 15th, 2019

Last week's economic releases included reports on inflation, core inflation and minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee Meeting held June 18 and 19. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Inflation Rate Rises, but Grows at Lowest Pace in Four Months June's Consumer Price Index reported the lowest rate of inflation in four months with a year-over-year rate of 1.60 percent growth as compared to May's year-over-year inflation rate of 1.80 percent. Fuel prices were lower, which helped balance rising costs of rent, clothing and autos. Analysts said that falling inflation rates would be a…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 8th, 2019

Last week's scheduled economic news included readings on construction spending and reports on public and private sector  jobs. Monthly readings for public and private sector jobs and the national unemployment rate were released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and initial jobless claims. Construction Spending Dips in May May construction spending fell to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 0.80 percent growth at a pace of $1.3 trillion as compared to April's reading, which was adjusted to 0.40 percent growth after reports of a flat reading. Year-over-year construction spending  was 2.30 percent lower in May.   High materials costs and…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 1st, 2019

Last week's economic reports included readings on home prices, sales of pre-owned homes and pending home sales. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Case-Shiller Home Price Index: Home Price Growth Slips in April Case-Shiller reported slower home price growth in April; home prices were 0.20 percent lower at 3.50 percent. Increasing inventories of homes for sale provided buyers with more choices and eased demand, which increased in recent years due to severe shortages of available homes. Cities on the west coast previously dominated home price growth, but the top three cities with highest home…
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Fed Holds Key Rate Steady As It Watches Economic Trends

Federal Reserve policymakers held the federal funds rate at its current range of 2.25 to 2.50 percent. Analysts speculated that the Fed may lower its key rate based on signs of slowing economic growth and the President's encouragement to lower the Fed rate. Federal Open Market Committee members cited "uncertainties" in support of their decision not to change the Fed's key lending rate. A stiff month-to-month drop in jobs growth and worries over trade problems associated with recent tariffs assessed against China contributed to the Committee's decision to hold rates steady and closely watch domestic and global economic trends. Signs…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 24th, 2019

Last week's economic reports included monthly readings on housing market conditions, housing starts and building permits issued. Sales of pre-owned homes were released; the Federal Reserve announced its decision not to raise its key interest rate range. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Slips in June The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for June showed builder confidence was two points lower at an index reading of 64. Builders surveyed said ongoing concerns such as lot and labor shortages impacted their outlook, but builders were also concerned over…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 10th, 2019

Last week's economic releases included readings on construction spending, public and private sector jobs and national unemployment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time unemployment claims were also released. Construction Spending Little Changed in April Census Bureau readings for April showed a minor dip in construction spending as compared to revised figures for March. $1,295.5 billion was spent on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis and missed the expected reading of $1,314.7 billion. March construction spending was revised to $1,299.2 billion. Falling mortgage rates were good news for home buyers, but concerns over global economic disputes and higher materials prices concerned home…
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