What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 26th, 2018

Last week's economic releases included minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting, a report on January sales of pre-owned homes and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. FOMC Minutes: Economic Strength Hints at More Rate Hikes Minutes of the January 30-31 meeting of the Fed's Federal Open Market Committee indicated that most Committee members believe that inflation will reach the Fed's goal of 2.00 percent. Members found that the economy was stronger since 2017 and expected "a gradual upward trajectory of the federal funds rate would be appropriate." While analysts expect three rate hikes in 2018, the…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 12th, 2018

Jerome "Jay" Powell was sworn in as Chair of the Federal Reserve amidst wild fluctuations in U.S. stock markets. Analysts attributed sliding stock prices to fears over inflation. Mr. Powell, who follows former Fed Chair Janet Yellen, introduced himself via a video clip on the Fed's website. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. New Fed Chair Promises "Transparency" in Video Introduction In a video introduction posted on the Fed's website, new Fed Chair Jay Powell promised that the Fed would explain "what we are doing and why we are doing it." Mr. Powell did not address…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 5th, 2018

Last week's economic releases included readings on pending home sales, Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and construction spending. The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve released its monthly statement and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were released. Last week's economic readings wrapped with a report on consumer confidence. Case-Shiller: Home Prices Rise in November Home prices rose an average of 0.70 percent monthly and 6.20 percent year-over-year according to Case-Shiller's national home price index for November. Seattle, Washington posted the highest year-over-year home price growth rate at 12.70 percent. Las Vegas, Nevada posted year-over-year home…
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