![]() Housing Starts came roaring back with an 8.3% gain, to post their largest monthly boost of the year. This put them at a 1.215 million unit annual rate, however, we need 1.5 million new units per year to cover population growth and tear downs, so there is still more recovery to come. Starts overall are up 2.1% compared to a year ago and single-family starts are up 10.3% (multi-families are down). This is a positive sign for the economy since each single-family home contributes to GDP, on average, around twice what a multi-family unit does. It was also terrific to see housing completions increase by 5.2% in June, bringing them 8.1% ahead of where they were a year ago. Want to know what the future of home building looks like? Building Permits for new structures shot up 7.4% in June, their largest monthly hike since 2015. The greater interest here is also in single-families, as those permits are up 9.2% versus a year ago. Some experts are now saying 2017 could be the best year for new construction in a decade. No wonder builders continue to feel confident. Yes, the National Association of Home Builders sentiment index did slip in July but landed at a still very high 64 reading. Review of Last Week Things keep moving ahead on Wall Street as investors remain optimistic about the economy, sensing growth-friendly policies will eventually come out of Washington. There's plenty to feel good about right now with some solid corporate earnings reports, plus indications that monetary policy will remain, (meaning low interest rates) as far as anyone can predict. Both the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan left interest rates alone last week and our Fed should do the same on Wednesday. The S&P 500 ended ahead for the third week in a row and the Nasdaq hit a new record high, though the Dow slipped a bit. Economic data was not to bad either. In addition to the excellent home building reports covered above, the Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) went up 0.6% in June after a 0.2% gain in May. The New York Empire Manufacturing Index and Philadelphia Fed Index for July showed factory activity in those regions continues to grow, though at a slightly slower pace. Weekly Initial Unemployment Claims stay in the low 200K range and Continuing Unemployment Claims remain below 2 million. Finally, the price of West Texas crude suffered its biggest drop in two weeks, which nudged some investors over to bonds. The week ended with the Dow down 0.3%, to 21580; the S&P 500 UP 0.5%, to 2473; and the Nasdaq UP 1.2%, to 6388. The bond market saw Treasuries hit multi-week highs, sending yields and interest rates down. We also had a rally in eurozone government bonds. The 30YR FNMA 4.0% bond we watch finished the week UP .28, to $105.31. After inching ahead two weeks in a row, national average 30-year fixed mortgage rates dropped in Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week ending July 20. This was in part due to "weak inflation data." Where are interest rates headed? This Week’s Forecast The forecasters say June Existing Home Sales will be off a bit and New Home Sales will come in flat. Not surprising given the tight inventory of existing homes in many areas and the fact builders are still scurrying to catch up with demand. No hike is expected in the FOMC Rate Decision. The predicted slower growth in the Employment Cost Index would indicate inflation is tame, which continues to keep the Fed in check. The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates. Economic Calendar for the Week of July 24th – July 28th Jul 24 10:00 Existing Home Sales Jul 25 10:00 Consumer Confidence Jul 25 10:00 New Home Sales Jul 26 10:30 Crude Inventories Jul 26 14:00 FOMC Rate Decision Jul 27 08:30 Initial Unemployment Claims Jul 27 08:30 Continuing Unemployment Claims Jul 27 08:30 Durable Goods Orders Jul 27 08:30 Durable Goods Orders - Ex Transportation Jul 28 08:30 GDP - Advanced Jul 28 08:30 Employment Cost Index Jul 28 10:00 U. of Michigan Consumer Sentiment - Final Federal Reserve Watch Speculative Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months: The probability of a rate hike from the Fed is very slim for this week's FOMC meeting and for the next two. Sentiment is rising for a rate increase in December. Note: In the lower chart, a 3% probability of change is a 97% certainty the rate will stay the same. Current Fed Funds Rate: 1.0%-1.25% After FOMC meeting on: Jul 26 1.0%-1.25% Sep 20 1.0%-1.25% Nov 1 1.0%-1.25% Probability of change from current policy: After FOMC meeting on: Jul 26 3% Sep 20 8% Nov 1 9% Where are interest rates headed? Call me now, 303.668.3350 or click here to apply! Apply Now! Get the Insider Track on Interest Rates! Cheers! Scott Synovic Nations Reliable Lending, LLC Colorado's Mortgage Expert www.scottsynovic.com 303.668.3350 Direct NMLS: 253799 / NRL NMLS: 181407 Regulated by the Division of Real Estate The material contained in this newsletter has been prepared by an independent third-party provider. The content is provided for use by real estate, financial services and other professionals only. The material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is without errors. Scott Synovic is a top performing mortgage loan originator providing superior levels of service and satisfaction to clients and business partners in Colorado - www.scottsynovic.com NMLS #253799 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation #2289
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