Mortgage Rates

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…

Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings on construction spending, public and private sector payroll growth, and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Construction Spending Slips in June U.S. construction spending slipped by 0.60 percent to 0.50 percent growth in June; analysts expected a month-to-month reading of  0.70 percent growth in construction spending. Year-over-year construction spending increased by 3.50 percent of which single-family residential construction accounted for 2.10 May’s reading for construction spending was revised from  0.90 percent growth to 1.10 percent growth from May to June. Private residential construction…

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on month-to-month and year-over-year inflation and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. Month-to-Month Inflation Rises as Year-Over-Year Inflation Slows The Consumer Price Index for June rose 0.20 percent in June as compared to May’s reading of 0.10 percent growth and expectations of 0.30 percent month-to-month growth. The core CPI reading, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, fell to 0.20 percent growth in June as compared to May’s month-to-month reading of 0.40 percent growth. The year-over-year reading for the Consumer Price Index in June slowed to 3.00…