01 Jun 2020
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 1, 2020

Financial Reports
Last week’s economic reports included monthly readings from Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, FHFA home prices, and readings on new and pending home sales. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Case-Shiller Home Price Indices: Home Price Growth Pace Increased In March National home prices rose at a year-over-year pace of 4.50 percent in March from February’s reading of 4.20 percent. According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index, home prices rose by 0.40 percent to a year-over-year growth rate of 3.90 percent. The three cities reporting the highest rates of home price growth year-over-year were…
Read More
12 Mar 2018
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 12th, 2018

Financial Reports
Last week's economic releases included reports on Non-Farm Payrolls, ADP payrolls, and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Public and Private Sector Jobs Show Mixed Readings ADP Payrolls reported 235,000 private sector jobs added in February as compared to January's updated reading of 243,000 jobs added. Analysts estimated 205,000 private sector jobs would be added, but this was based on the original reading of 234,000 jobs added. February was the fourth consecutive month when private sector job growth exceeded 200,000 jobs. According to the federal government, Non-Farm payrolls added 74000…
Read More
26 Feb 2018
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 26th, 2018

Market Outlook
Last week's economic releases included minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting, a report on January sales of pre-owned homes and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. FOMC Minutes: Economic Strength Hints at More Rate Hikes Minutes of the January 30-31 meeting of the Fed's Federal Open Market Committee indicated that most Committee members believe that inflation will reach the Fed's goal of 2.00 percent. Members found that the economy was stronger since 2017 and expected "a gradual upward trajectory of the federal funds rate would be appropriate." While analysts expect three rate hikes in 2018, the…
Read More
12 Feb 2018
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 12th, 2018

Market Outlook
Jerome "Jay" Powell was sworn in as Chair of the Federal Reserve amidst wild fluctuations in U.S. stock markets. Analysts attributed sliding stock prices to fears over inflation. Mr. Powell, who follows former Fed Chair Janet Yellen, introduced himself via a video clip on the Fed's website. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. New Fed Chair Promises "Transparency" in Video Introduction In a video introduction posted on the Fed's website, new Fed Chair Jay Powell promised that the Fed would explain "what we are doing and why we are doing it." Mr. Powell did not address…
Read More