FOMC Noted Retail Sales In March Reached Highest Level Since September Of 2012

The FOMC of the Federal Reserve released its customary statement after its meeting concluded April 30. FOMC members said that the economy is improving after a winter lull caused by poor weather. The national unemployment rate remains high, although some improvement in labor markets was reported. Fiscal policy is restraining economic growth, although FOMC said that the restraint is diminishing. FOMC Monitors Inflation, Further Reduces Asset Purchases The FOMC statement reflected members' concerns about the inflation rate remaining below its goal of two percent, and said that this could eventually impact economic recovery. The Fed expects inflation to approach its…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 28, 2014

Last week's economic news supported recent reports that home sales were fewer and home prices increased, but did so at a slower pace. The NAR reported a slower pace of existing home sales, and FHFA reported a slower year-over-year rate of growth for home prices on properties financed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The U.S. Commerce Department reported that new home sales fell to their lowest level since July 2013. Mortgage rates rose for fixed rate mortgages, but were unchanged for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages. Here are the details: Existing Home Sales Slow, Moderate Growth In Home Prices March…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 14, 2014

While little housing-related news was released, last week's economic news showed signs of a brighter economic picture. Labor statistics were stronger, with job openings up and new jobless claims filed lower than expected. Mortgage rates fell, and the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index was higher than expected. More Jobs Available, Fewer New Jobless Claims The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that February job openings rose to 4.20 million, which exceeded January's reading of 3.9 million jobs. New jobless claims were lower than expected with 300,000 new jobless claims filed against expectations of 316,000 new jobless claims and the…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 24, 2014

Last week's economic news included several housing-related reports including the Housing Market Index (HMI) for March, a report on housing starts, and building permits for February. The National Association of REALTORS® also released its Existing Home Sales report for February and the Federal Reserve issued its first FOMC statement under the helm of Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Home Builders Conservative On Housing Market Conditions The National Association of Home Builders Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose by one point to a reading of 47 in March against a reading of 46 in February and against an expected reading of 50.…
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