25 Jun 2019
By Mortgage Blog Content

Fed Holds Key Rate Steady As It Watches Economic Trends

Market Outlook
Federal Reserve policymakers held the federal funds rate at its current range of 2.25 to 2.50 percent. Analysts speculated that the Fed may lower its key rate based on signs of slowing economic growth and the President's encouragement to lower the Fed rate. Federal Open Market Committee members cited "uncertainties" in support of their decision not to change the Fed's key lending rate. A stiff month-to-month drop in jobs growth and worries over trade problems associated with recent tariffs assessed against China contributed to the Committee's decision to hold rates steady and closely watch domestic and global economic trends. Signs of slowing economic growth caused the Fed to adjust its forecast…
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24 Jun 2019
By Mortgage Blog Content

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 24th, 2019

Financial Reports
Last week's economic reports included monthly readings on housing market conditions, housing starts and building permits issued. Sales of pre-owned homes were released; the Federal Reserve announced its decision not to raise its key interest rate range. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Slips in June The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for June showed builder confidence was two points lower at an index reading of 64. Builders surveyed said ongoing concerns such as lot and labor shortages impacted their outlook, but builders were also concerned over the impact of trade wars and tariffs on the cost of…
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10 Jun 2019
By Mortgage Blog Content

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 10th, 2019

Financial Reports
Last week's economic releases included readings on construction spending, public and private sector jobs and national unemployment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time unemployment claims were also released. Construction Spending Little Changed in April Census Bureau readings for April showed a minor dip in construction spending as compared to revised figures for March. $1,295.5 billion was spent on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis and missed the expected reading of $1,314.7 billion. March construction spending was revised to $1,299.2 billion. Falling mortgage rates were good news for home buyers, but concerns over global economic disputes and higher materials prices concerned home builders. Mortgage Rates Fall as Initial Jobless Claims Hold Steady Freddie…
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03 Jun 2019
By Mortgage Blog Content

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 3rd, 2019

Financial Reports
Last week's economic news included readings from Case-Shiller on home prices and pending home sales. Readings on consumer confidence and weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slows in March While home prices continue to rise throughout the U.S., they are growing at a slower pace. Case-Shiller reported that Home prices dropped 0.20 percent in March to a growth rate of 3.70 percent on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Case-Shiller said that March home price growth was the lowest rate reported in 10 years. Top cities for home price growth in March were Last Vegas, Nevada with a seasonally-adjusted year-over-year home price growth…
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