Mortgage Rates

Last week's economic news included releases on new and existing home sales along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims. Home Sales Fall Due to Slim Supply of Homes December sales of previously-owned homes dipped to an 18-year low with a reading of 5.57 million sales on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Pre-owned home sales were expected to reach 5.73 million homes based on November's downwardly- revised reading of 5.78 million sales. December sales were 3.6 percent lower month-to-month, but were 1.10 percent higher year-over-year. Analysts credited the shortage of sales to tight inventories of homes for sale.…

Last week's economic news included readings on home builder confidence, housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released; the week wrapped with the University of Michigan's report on consumer sentiment. Home Builder Confidence Dips, Remains in Positive Territory According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence dropped two points in January to 72, but high demand for homes continued to provide builders with positive outlooks on housing market conditions. While continued concerns over labor and lot shortages were cited, home builders surveyed for January's Housing Market Index said…

Last week's economic releases on inflation, core inflation, and retail sales. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Inflation and Retail Sales Ease in December Consumer prices fell from November's reading of 0.40 percent growth to o.10 percent growth in December, which matched expectations. The Core Consumer Price Index, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, dropped to 0.30 percent from November's growth rate of 0.40 percent. Analysts expected a Core CPI reading of 0.20 percent for December. Retail sales were lower in December as compared to November's reading of 0.90 percent growth month-to-month; December's…