Housing

Last week's economic reports included readings on consumer prices, consumer sentiment and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Consumer Price Index Increases in April Consumer prices rose by 0.20 percent in April according to the Commerce Department. Analysts expected prices to rise by 0.30 percent based on a negative reading of -0.10 percent in March. Core consumer prices, which exclude volatile food and energy sectors, eased to 0.10 percent growth in April after growing by 0.20 percent in March. Analysts said that Fed policymakers' concerns over inflation growth could wane with the easing of core consumer prices.…