Despite stock markets finishing near all-time highs at the end of 2019, the beginning of the new year is already presenting new challenges for investors. While the housing industry remains optimistic, manufacturing continues to suffer. And, several political issues will continue to affect the markets as we begin the new year. Year-End Review of Housing […]
Industry News
Market Updates – 12/06/2019
While news about the trade talks caused some volatility this week, the primary influence on mortgage rates was Friday’s labor market data. Stronger than expected job growth was unfavorable for rates, and they ended the week a little higher. Against a consensus forecast of 185,000, the economy added a massive 266,000 jobs in November. In […]
Market Updates – 11/22/2019
It was a relatively quiet week for mortgage rates. The major economic data came in close to the expected levels, and there was little decisive news about the trade negotiations with China. The most significant economic data released this week came from the housing sector, and lower mortgage rates have been boosting recent activity. In […]
Market Updates – 11/15/2019
The trade negotiations with China were the main influence on mortgage rates again this week, but this time they had a favorable impact. The major economic data came in close to the expected levels and caused little reaction. As a result, rates ended the week lower. Last week, it seemed like the U.S. and China […]
Market Updates – 11/01/2019
Although this week’s economic events didn’t appear to support it, there was a decline in mortgage rates. To understand why, it is necessary to consider their movement over a longer time frame. In short, rates are nearly unchanged from their levels at the start of October. While the economic data, comments from the Fed, and […]
Market Updates – 10/25/2019
A light batch of economic data caused little reaction this week, and Thursday’s European Central Bank meeting also had just a minor impact. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week nearly unchanged. The most significant economic data released this week came from the housing sector. In September, sales of previously owned (existing) homes, which […]
Market Updates – 10/18/2019
Investors were mostly focused on international events this week, but there was little fresh news on the trade negotiations with China or the British exit from the European Union. The major economic data was mixed and had little impact. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week nearly unchanged. After a lack of success for […]
Market Updates – 10/04/2019
The major economic data released this week was mostly weaker than expected, which reduced the outlook for future inflation. This was positive for mortgage rates, and they ended the week lower. As expected, Friday’s key monthly Employment report was consistent with a slower pace of job creation from the very strong levels seen over the […]
Market Updates – 09/27/2019
An impeachment inquiry of President Trump caught investors by surprise this week, but it had little lasting effect on mortgage rates. The economic data also had just a minor impact, and mortgage rates ended the week nearly unchanged. House Democrats announced an impeachment inquiry of President Trump on Tuesday. The immediate reaction by investors to […]
Market Updates – 09/20/2019
Wednesday’s Fed meeting overshadowed the other economic news this week, but it provided no surprises and had little net effect. Stronger than expected housing data also had just a minor impact, and mortgage rates ended the week a little lower. The Fed cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, as expected, and its […]