Last week’s economic news included Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports, the Fedâs FOMC meeting statement and pending home sales. Freddie Mac mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims were also released as usual.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 13, 2015
Last weekâs economic news included the minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting, which indicated that the Fedâs monetary policymakers are eyeing a potential increase in the target federal funds rate, but donât expect to do so immediately.
FOMC Minutes: Housing Market Stable But Slow
The minutes of the March meeting of the Fedâs Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) were released Tuesday and included a staff review of current economic conditions. The minutes noted that while labor markets continued to grow, inflation to the Fedâs target rate of 2.00 percent was impeded by dropping fuel prices. The Committee noted that expectations for longer-term inflation remained stable.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 23, 2015
Last weekâs events included the National Association of Home Builderâs Housing Market Index, which fell to its lowest reading since last summer. Other news included reports on housing starts and building permits, the FOMC meeting statement and Fed Chair Janet Yellenâs press conference.
FOMC Statement: Federal Reserve Discusses Rate Increase, but Concerned About Growth
The post-meeting statement of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee indicated that while the Fed is considering raising its target rate as early as June, the agency is in no hurry to cast anything in cement. The statement cited stronger labor markets and low unemployment rates as encouraging, but noted that FOMC members remain concerned about economic growth due to low inflation failing to meet the FOMC goal of two percent.
Fed Not in a Hurry to Raise Rates: FOMC Meeting Minutes
Federal Open Market Committee policymakers are in no hurry to raise the target federal funds rate. Members said that raising rates too soon could swamp the strengthening economy and expressed concerns that changing the committeeâs current “patient” stance on rising rates could cause more harm than good to current economic conditions.
FOMC Minutes: Low Inflation Rates Won’t Delay Rate Hikes
The minutes of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) indicate that Fed policymakers aren’t concerned about low inflation rates as an obstacle to raising the target federal funds rate.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 22, 2014
Last week’s scheduled economic events were few but informative. Housing related reports included the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for December, which stayed close to a nine-year high reading of 59 in September. December’s reading was 57 and fell two points shy of the expected reading of 59.
FOMC Statement: No Year-End Surprises
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said in its last statement for 2014 that although economic conditions have improved at a moderate pace, the Fed believes that the target federal funds rate of between 0.00 and 0.25 percent remains “appropriate.” While labor markets show expanding job growth and lower unemployment rates, FOMC members noted that housing markets are recovering slowly.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 24, 2014
Last week’s scheduled economic news included the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, Housing Starts and Existing Home Sales. FOMC meeting minutes were released along with weekly Freddie Mac mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims.
