The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve announced the first rate cut to its key interest rate range since the Great Recession ushered in a series of rate cuts described as "quantitative easing." The Fed committee confirmed a quarter-point cut to 2.00 to 2.25 percent. Fed Chair Jerome Powell described the rate cut as a "mid-cycle adjustment" intended as a one-time boost for the economy. Mr. Powell said he did not view the cut as the first in a series of quantitative easing moves, but analysts said single rate cuts are not common. The FOMC post-meeting statement said the decision to cut rates was based on global and domestic economic developments prompted by recent trade wars … [Read more...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 30th, 2018
Last week’s economic reports included readings from Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, new and existing home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims. Case-Shiller: Home Prices Rise to Near Four-Year High February home prices rose 6.30 percent year-over-year and 0.50 percent month-to-month. Home prices rose just shy of a record set in 2014. The 20-City Home Price Index reported home prices were 6.80 percent higher year-over-year and rose 0.80 percent month-to-month in February. The year-over-year reading surpassed the peak reading in 2006. Home prices accelerated in contrast to analyst expectations that they nay slow as buyers deal with a short supply of … [Read more...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 16th, 2018
Last week's economic reports included readings on inflation, the minutes of the most recent meeting of the Fed's Federal Open Market Committee and weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims. The University of Michigan released its Consumer Sentiment Index for April. Inflation Grows, Fed Indicates Future Rate Hikes Likely The minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee Meeting held March 20 and 21 indicate Fed policymakers are likely to increase the target federal funds rate at their June meeting. Economic indicators including strong labor markets and low unemployment rate were cited as contributing to expectations for federal rate hikes throughout 2018. How the Fed … [Read more...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 9th, 2018
Last week's economic reports included readings on construction spending, mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Other labor-related claims included ADP payrolls, Non-Farm Payrolls and the national unemployment rate. Construction Spending Rises in February Construction spending was higher in February according to the Commerce Department. Spending on building projects rose by 0.10 percent in February Reuters reported that construction spending rose 0.10 percent as compared to expectations of an 0.40 percent increase and January's unchanged reading. Seasonal weather conditions typically cause lulls in building. Analysts said that residential construction spending increased by 0.10 percent to … [Read more...]
