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 … [Read more...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 26th, 2018
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 … [Read more...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 12th, 2018
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." … [Read more...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 11, 2016
Last week's economic news included minutes of the most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. FOMC Minutes Indicate Fed Not Pressing Rate Increases Minutes of the FOMC meeting held March 15 and 16 suggest that FOMC members are easing their enthusiasm for raising the target federal funds rate. In recent months, the committee has indicated that it was leaning toward raising rates on a slow but steady pace. Ongoing concerns over changing global economic and financial conditions contributed to FOMC's decision … [Read more...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 29, 2016
Last week's economic reports included Existing and New Home Sales and Consumer Confidence along with regularly scheduled weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Sales of Pre-Owned Homes Exceed Expectations January sales of previously owned homes rose to an annual level of 5.47 million sales against expectations of 5.30 million sales and December's reading of 5.45 million sales. Existing home sales rose by 0.40 percent month-to-month, which was the second-highest month-to-month reading since existing home sales were first tracked. Sales of existing homes had a strong showing … [Read more...]