Research Center
Economy Watch: Moderate Job Growth; Household Net Worth Increases; Negative Residential Equity Shrinks
The modest increase in U.S. jobs continued in February, with the addition of 175,000. Household net worth increased again in the fourth quarter of 2013 to a record level. And 4 million U.S. mortgage holders returned to positive equity in 2013.
Economy Watch: ADP Job Growth Mediocre; Beige Book Talks of Winter’s Impact
Automated Data Processing said that the U.S. private sector created 139,000 jobs in February, the third weak total in three months. Also, according to the Beige Book, most of the 12 Federal Reserve districts reported ‘modest to moderate’ expansion.
Most Active Residential REITs
This month, MHN offers an index of the Most Active Residential REITs. We used this opportunity to examine the growth of these publicly traded firms.
Economy Watch: Personal Income Expands and Construction Spending Rises
Personal income increased 0.3 percent in January compared with December. Construction spending edged up by 0.1 percent in January as well. Wall Street took a dive on Monday, with investors apparently nervous about the situation in Crimea.
Economy Watch: 4Q GDP Growth Revised Downward; Fewer Homeowners Under Water; Pending Home Sales Down
Revised GDP number shows annualized rate of 2.4 percent for the fourth quarter of 2013. Also, Zillow data shows fewer homeowners under water, while the NAR reports pending home sales are down.
Economy Watch: Mortgage Delinquencies Dropping; Tapering Will Continue; 4Q GDP Numbers Released
The U.S. mortgage delinquency rate decreased more than 10 percent year over year. Also, Janet Yellen testifies before the Senate Banking Committee, hinting that the tapering will continue unless ‘significant’ change in outlook takes place.
Economy Watch: Existing Homes Sales Drop in January
Weather is blamed for slow single-family sales and the G20 announces plans for structural reforms to facilitate global growth.
Economy Watch: Mortgage Delinquencies Closer to “Normal” Levels
The MBA reports a decrease in residential delinquencies, while Bureau of Labor stats show that the the Consumer Price Index increased 0.1 percent in January.
Economy Watch: Home Starts Take a Dip in January
Housing starts drop 16 percent in January, and the Fed releases minutes hinting that tapering will continue at the slow pace previously seen.
Economy Watch: Did the Stimulus Stimulate the Economy?
The Congressional Budget Office examines the impact of the federal stimulus on its fifth anniversary, and both overseas stocks and commodities see an uptick on Presidents’ Day.