Last week’s economic reports included readings on U.S. housing markets, housing starts and building permits, and the scheduled post-meeting statement from the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve. Data on sales of previously owned homes were released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims. National Association of Home Builders: Rising Mortgage Rates Shake Builder Confidence Homebuilders lost confidence in U.S. housing market conditions in September. September’s index reading was 45 as compared to the expected reading of 49.5 and August’s reading of 50. The combination of rising mortgage rates and high home prices presented obstacles … [Read more...]

Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings on construction spending, public and private sector payroll growth, and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Construction Spending Slips in June U.S. construction spending slipped by 0.60 percent to 0.50 percent growth in June; analysts expected a month-to-month reading of  0.70 percent growth in construction spending. Year-over-year construction spending increased by 3.50 percent of which single-family residential construction accounted for 2.10 May’s reading for construction spending was revised from  0.90 percent growth to 1.10 percent … [Read more...]

Last week’s economic reports included readings on U.S. housing markets, housing starts, and building permits issued. Sales data for previously-owned homes were also released along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims Home Builder Confidence Ticks Up in July The National Association of Home Builders reported a one-point gain in home builder confidence with an index reading of 56 for July. Analysts predicted a reading of 57 and June’s reading was 55. Readings over 50 indicate that most home builders are confident about current  U.S. housing market conditions. Overall homebuilder confidence rose for the seventh consecutive month in July. Component … [Read more...]