Research Center
Economy Watch: Homebuilders Feeling Optimistic
The National Association of Home Builders reported that its Housing Market Index rose six points over the last month to a score of 57 for July.
Economy Watch: Retail Sales Eke Out Gain
The Census Bureau reported that U.S. retail and food services sales for June were $422.8 billion, an increase of 0.4 percent from the previous month.
‘Economy Watch’ Podcast with Dees Stribling: Mortgage Rates are Up
Mortgage rates are up, but the Fed promises that tapering doesn’t mean it’s going to raise its interest rates.
Economy Watch: Gas Prices Spike
Mortgages weren’t the only thing seeing an increase in price recently. An arguably more visceral increase has struck the U.S. economy—and with it, consumer’s propensity to spend money to support growth—a rise in the price of gas.
Economy Watch: Fed Seems Determined to Taper QE3
The Federal Reserve released the minutes from the June 18-19 meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee on Wednesday, and while (as usual), they weren’t precisely a model of clarity, the minutes did seem to reinforce the idea that the central bank is indeed planning to “taper” its QE3 stimulus program.
Economy Watch: Mortgage Rates Spike
The recent uptick in interest rates has begun to have an impact on mortgages, according to Zillow.
Economy Watch: Residential Delinquencies Continue Drop
Lender Processing Services released its latest Mortgage Monitor, which found that the national delinquency rate for residential mortgages continued to fall in May, marking the largest year-to-date drop since 2002.
‘Economy Watch’ Podcast with Dees Stribling: The ECB Promises Low Rates
The ECB promises low rates, and the U.S. adds more jobs.
Taking Orders
(value of manufacturers’ new orders; not seasonally adjusted; $ in millions)
Ups and Downs
(national cap rate performance based on properties and portfolios of $2.5 million and greater)