Mortgage Rates

Economic news was impacted by the Martin Luther King holiday on Monday and the Presidential Inauguration on Friday. Readings released included reports on inflation, the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index and Commerce Department releases on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were released as scheduled. Home Builder Confidence Dips as Inflation Ticks Upward The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dipped from December's reading of 69 to 67. Ongoing challenges including a short supply of lots for development and inability to hire skilled labor were cited,…

Last week's economic reports included readings on job openings, retail sales and consumer sentiment in addition to weekly reports on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac's survey of mortgage rates. Job Openings Hold Steady in November; Quits and Hires Increase According to the Labor Department, job openings held steady with a reading of 5.50 million openings in November, which matched October's reading. Hires and quits showed more activity, which analysts deemed a healthy sign for the economy. Workers typically hold on to their current jobs in times of economic uncertainty, while they may be more comfortable with changing jobs in…

Last week's economic reports included readings on job openings, retail sales and consumer sentiment in addition to weekly reports on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac's survey of mortgage rates. Job Openings Hold Steady in November; Quits and Hires Increase According to the Labor Department, job openings held steady with a reading of 5.50 million openings in November, which matched October's reading. Hires and quits showed more activity, which analysts deemed a healthy sign for the economy. Workers typically hold on to their current jobs in times of economic uncertainty, while they may be more comfortable with changing jobs in…