Financial Reports

Last week's economic reports included readings on construction spending and labor reports on public and private-sector job growth. The national unemployment rate was released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Construction Spending dips in September, but Residential Construction Spending Rises Construction spending rose 0.10 percent in September, but residential construction spending fell 0.70 percent month-to-month. Construction spending was 4.10 percent higher year-over-year. January through August construction spending was 5.30 percent higher than for the same period in 2017. Analysts estimated a shortage of approximately four million homes; which accentuates demand and drives prices up. In recent…

Last week's economic releases included readings on the NAHB Housing Market Index, sales of pre-owned homes, and housing starts. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. NAHB: Home Builder Confidence in Market Conditions Holds Steady The National Association of Home Builders reported an index reading of 67 for September, which matched August's reading. Growing concerns over impacts of tariffs on building material costs have slowed builders' confidence in current and future market conditions. Components of the NAHB Housing Market Index include readings on current conditions, which gained one point to 74; builder confidence in market…

Last week's economic news included readings on consumer credit, inflation and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Fed Reports Consumer Credit Jumps in July The Federal Reserve reported that consumer credit rose from $9 billion in June to $17 billion in July. Analysts said a majority of consumer credit was issued for education loans and auto loans. June's reading was revised downward to $8.50 billion from the original reading of $10.2 billion. Credit card debt increased by 1.50 percent in July after declining by – 1.40 percent in June. Non-revolving consumer debt…

Last week's economic releases included readings from Case-Shiller on home prices, pending home sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth, Pending Home Sales Dip Home price growth slowed in June according to Case-Shiller's national home price index. Home prices rose 0.30 percent from May and were 6.30 percent year-over-year as compared as compared to 6.40 percent. In May. Analysts have predicted stabilizing home prices for months and June's reading indicated that home prices may slow after surpassing inflation and wage growth in recent times. The 20-City Home Price…

Last week's economic readings included reports on sales of new and previously-owned homes, and weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims. Sales of New and Pre-owned Homes Falter in July Home sales were lower in July, with new and pre-owned home sales falling short of projections and June sales. According to the Commerce Department, new homes sold at an annual rate of 627,000 sales as compared to 640,000 new home sales projected and a pace of 638,000 homes sold in June. Downward revisions for previous months contributed to a lower sales pace reported in July; but the average…