Mortgage Rates

18

Dec

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 18, 2023

With both CPI and PPI reports well within expectations, there is a favorable reception across the broader market spectrum that these reports are a strong sign that the Federal Reverse will begin rate cuts in 2024. A soft landing for the economy is the primary goal of the Federal Reserve, and it would seem their measures have had the intended impact with the Jobless claims seeing a recent new low and many of the primary economic signals pointing to a stable 2024. Consumer Price Index The numbers: The cost of living rose a scant 0.1% in November thanks to lower…

11

Dec

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 11, 2023

This will be another light week before the next large releases of the CPI and PPI data. The overall unemployment numbers have been trending lower which will likely leave the Federal Reserve board in a state of suspension. They have made many assertive statements they do not intend to cut rates soon, but the signs of a soft landing for the economy are numerous, leading to much speculation about impending rate cuts. As a general indicator, lending partners have seen a near 6 week-to-week decline in lending rates. The largest data releases this week are the U.S. Unemployment Reports and…

04

Dec

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 4, 2023

The first week of December's largest reports are the GDP estimates, which will be the second estimations of the year prior to the final release. The final GDP reports will be after the new year and are the strongest indicator for the economic state of the country. With the Federal Reserve aiming for a soft landing for the economy, it is important for the GDP and inflation statistics to be in parity with each other. The last but also very important releases for the end of the year are the Personal Income and Spending data. GDP Estimates (First Release) The numbers: The U.S. economy grew at…

20

Nov

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 20, 2023

With the release of the CPI and PPI data, much of the broader market has been anticipating the potential cooling of inflation numbers month-to-month and those expectations have been met. There’s a consistent trend of inflation slowing down which brings a greater potential for the end of any rate hikes from the Federal Reserve, signaling a soft-landing for the economy which has been touted by Jerome Powell. With a soft landing, it does also signal a strong potential for the Federal Reserve to begin lowering rates in the coming future. Consumer Price Index Despite the report beating inflation expectations and…

06

Nov

By Lori Blank

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Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 6, 2023

The most important data of the quarter was released, signaling the direction for many markets and where economic policy may be headed. Jerome Powell as well as other members of the Federal Reserve spoke about the state of economic policy, informing many parties about their decisions to remain hawkish or dovish in their approach. Further rate hikes could tell a story that inflation is not yet under control and the Federal Reserve feels the need to continue these rate hikes, which will have a significant impact on the lending markets as a whole. FOMC Rate Decision While Fed Chair Jerome…

30

Oct

By Lori Blank

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Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 30, 2023

This week’s most significant data offered preliminary numbers for manufacturing and services PMI (Purchasing Managers Index). Both can serve as a forward indicator for the economy while providing insight into the current state of the cost of living for the service industry. While manufacturing met an expected rise for the end of October, services saw a contraction, falling to 46.6 from 49.3. Readings below 50.0 can be a sign of a downturn for the economy, particularly given the time of the year. Mortgage Applications & Rates Indices MBA Mortgage Applications Index saw a reduction of -1.0% in applications for the…

23

Oct

By Lori Blank

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Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 23, 2023

This week featured the usual retail sales report which shows consumer demand and as well as an indicator of the velocity of money, not only for consumers but business to business as well. An increase would show an increase in national and local increase in economic activity, which is important as we move into Q4 of the year; where the holiday season is expected to see an increase in consumer activity. Retail Sales Retail sales have exceeded expectations this month showing month-to-month increases across the board: Retail sales are up 0.7% from the previous month with an expected increase of…

02

Oct

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 2, 2023

Last week, consumers were treated to several indicators on inflation that not only paint a picture of the economy’s health but also give the Fed more information to work with as it continues to aim for a soft landing. August Sees a Slight Upward Trend in Inflation This week, the personal consumption expenditures price index, which excludes more volatile commodities like food and energy, increased 0.1 percent for the month. This is lower than the expected value of 0.2 percent, which indicates that the rising interest rates are starting to have an impact on the economy as the Fed continues…

25

Sep

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 25, 2023

Last week’s economic reports included readings on U.S. housing markets, housing starts and building permits, and the scheduled post-meeting statement from the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve. Data on sales of previously owned homes were released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims. National Association of Home Builders: Rising Mortgage Rates Shake Builder Confidence Homebuilders lost confidence in U.S. housing market conditions in September. September’s index reading was 45 as compared to the expected reading of 49.5 and August’s reading of 50. The combination of rising mortgage rates and high home prices presented obstacles…

11

Sep

By lizlaurenb

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 11, 2023

Last week’s scheduled economic reporting was limited due to the U.S. Labor Day holiday on Monday. The Federal Reserve released its Beige Book report and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. Federal Reserve Releases Beige Book Report The Beige Book report is a summary of information supplied to Federal Reserve policymakers by their business and professional contacts. Highlights of September’s Beige Book report included: Accelerated leisure spending by consumers boosted economic growth during July and August. Non-essential retail sales slowed, but the economy was boosted by a final stage of post-COVID-19 pent-up demand. Prices for…