Last week's economic readings included Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, pending home sales and consumer confidence. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Case-Shiller: Home Prices Continue Growth Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports indicated incremental growth in October with home prices growing month-to-month 0.70 percent for the S&P Case-Shiller 30-City Home Price Index. The 20-city index posted 6.20 percent gains year-over-year. Western cities … [Read more...]

Last week's economic reports included readings on NAHB homebuilder confidence, housing starts, building permits issued and sales of previously-owned homes. Weekly releases on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Builder Confidence Rises, Housing Starts Increase According to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for December, builder confidence in housing market conditions rose by four points to 74. This reading was the highest since 1999. Builder … [Read more...]

Last week's economic reporting included readings on inflation, core inflation and the Post-meeting statement of the Fed's Federal Open Market Committee. Fed Chair Janet Yellen also gave a press conference; weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Inflation Rises in November U.S. inflation rose by 0.30 percent to 0.40 percent in November; October's reading was 0.10 percent and November's reading met analysts' expectations. Core Consumer Price Index readings for … [Read more...]

Last week's economic reports included readings on projected top housing markets for 2018, weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Labor sector readings on private-sector job growth, private and public-sector job growth and the national unemployment rate were released. Projected top housing markets in 2018 were also released. Realtors Release Projections for Top Housing Markets in 2018 Prospective homebuyers and retirees facing home affordability issues in metro areas such as … [Read more...]