Last week's economic news included readings on consumer credit, inflation and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Fed Reports Consumer Credit Jumps in July The Federal Reserve reported that consumer credit rose from $9 billion in June to $17 billion in July. Analysts said a majority of consumer credit was issued for education loans and auto loans. June's reading was revised downward to $8.50 billion from the original … [Read more...]

Last week's economic releases included readings from Case-Shiller on home prices, pending home sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth, Pending Home Sales Dip Home price growth slowed in June according to Case-Shiller's national home price index. Home prices rose 0.30 percent from May and were 6.30 percent year-over-year as compared as compared to 6.40 percent. In May. Analysts have … [Read more...]

Last week's economic readings included reports on sales of new and previously-owned homes, and weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims. Sales of New and Pre-owned Homes Falter in July Home sales were lower in July, with new and pre-owned home sales falling short of projections and June sales. According to the Commerce Department, new homes sold at an annual rate of 627,000 sales as compared to 640,000 new home sales projected and a pace of 638,000 homes sold in … [Read more...]

Last week's economic reports included readings from the National Association of Home Builders and Commerce Department releases on Housing Starts and Building Permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were released, along with a monthly report on consumer sentiment. NAHB: Home Builder Housing Market Index Drops 1 Point August's reading for the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dropped one point to 67. This was the lowest … [Read more...]

Last week's economic reports included readings on job openings and inflation along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Job Openings Hit Third Highest Reading on Record Job openings held steady at 6.70 million in June, which was the third highest reading since reporting started in 2000. Analysts said that the high number of job openings combined with low unemployment rates indicates healthy labor markets. Fewer jobs were available in transportation, utilities … [Read more...]