Category Archives: The Economy

What Will The Debt Ceiling Agreement Do To Mortgage Rates?

Today’s debt ceiling agreement will be a major force in mortgage markets and home affordability. Are you prepared for it?

Retail Sales Rise For 12th Straight Month In June

The American Consumer will not be deterred. Despite worsening jobless figures and an increase in the Cost of Living, Retail Sales are climbing.

Mid-Year Review : Were The Experts Right About The Market?

The year is half-over. It’s an opportune time to take stock of analyst predictions made at the start of the year, and to recognize that the “experts” can be wrong as often as they are right.

Economy Expected To Have Added 80,000 Jobs In June

Friday morning, at 8:30 AM ET, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its June Non-Farm Payrolls report. If you’re currently shopping for a mortgage, or floating a mortgage rate, be prepared. Mortgage rates can change following the monthly report’s release. Often, by a lot.

Mortgage Rates Surge On May Retail Sales Figures

Retail Sales rose for the 11th straight month in May. Excluding cars and auto parts, sales receipts climbed to $322 billion last month. It’s an all-time high and another example of the U.S. economy’s resiliency.

Making A Rate-Lock Plan Before Friday’s Jobs Report

Tomorrow morning, at 8:30 AM ET, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its Non-Farm Payrolls report for May. If you’re floating a mortgage rate right now — or are in the process of shopping for a loan — consider locking in.

Rising Retail Sales Threaten Low Mortgage Rates

Thursday, the Census Bureau released the April Retail Sales report. Excluding cars and auto parts, retail receipts rose for the 10th straight month and, at $321 billion, reached an all-time high.

Job Growth Returning To “Normal” Levels — A Bad Sign For Mortgage Rates

Be prepared for Friday morning. Mortgage rates and home affordability could worsen quickly. At 8:30 AM ET, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its April Non-Farm Payrolls report and momentum has been strong.

Inflation Pressures Mounting; Mortgage Rates Rising

The March CPI data is expected to show an increase in the cost of living for the 17th straight month — a reading that would take CPI to an all-time high. This would be awful for mortgage rates.

Retail Sales Report Should Spell Higher Mortgage Rates For Wednesday

Wednesday, the Census Bureau will release its March Retail Sales figures and the report is expected to show higher sales receipts for the 9th straight month. A strong reading like that should spell higher mortgage rates nationwide.