20 Nov 2014
By Mark Feder

FOMC Minutes: Economy Growing, Housing Lags

Market Outlook
Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held October 28 and 29 were released Wednesday. The report suggests that the U.S. economy continues to improve, although the annual inflation rate remains near 1.50 percent and short of the committee's goal of 2.00 percent. Falling crude oil prices were cited as a cause of faltering inflation rates. The minutes indicated that FOMC members expect inflation to remain below the 2.00 percent benchmark for the next year or so. The minutes did not reveal an exact date for raising the target federal funds rate, which is currently 0.00 to 0.250…
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10 Nov 2014
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 10, 2014

Market Outlook
Last week's economic reports contained mixed reports indicating that the economy continues to recover with occasional "blips" in its progress. Construction spending was lower than expected. A Federal Reserve survey of senior loan officers indicated that credit standards remain strict for mortgages and other types of lending. According to the survey, a "modest net fraction" of large banks had eased credit standards for prime mortgage lending. First-Time Homebuyers Struggle as Market Share Hits 27-Year Low The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reported that first-time buyers' share of home purchases has slipped to 33 percent, which was its lowest level in…
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03 Nov 2014
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 3, 2014

Market Outlook
Last week's economic news brought mixed developments as pending home sales moved to their second highest level of 2014. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced the expected end of asset purchases under its quantitative easing program. In its post-meeting statement, the committee noted improvements in overall economic conditions labor markets as indications of better than expected economic trends. The Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports for August showed continued slowing in housing price gains. Mortgage rates were higher, but consumer confidence exceeded expectations. Pending Home Sales Rise, Case-Shiller Reports Slower Price Gains The National Association of REALTORS® reported that pending…
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30 Oct 2014
By Mark Feder

Case-Shiller 20 City Home Price Index And FOMC QE Update

Market Outlook
According to the S&P Case-Shiller 20 City Home Price Index, Home prices rose by 0.20 percent in August. Three of the 20 cities tracked saw home prices drop, while Detroit, Michigan posted the highest price growth. The seasonally adjusted growth rate for cities tracked declined by 0.10 percent as compared to a decline of 0.10 percent in July. Detroit led monthly home price growth with a gain of 0.80 percent. Dallas, Denver, Colorado and Las Vegas, Nevada posted gains of 9.50 percent as compared to July. Cities posting declines in home price growth included San Francisco at -0.40 percent, Charlotte,…
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