Labor/Economy
Economy Watch: NY Fed President Talks Tapering
Last week’s decision by the Federal Reserve not to taper QE3 left an open question: When will the tapering begin, since presumably it has to sometime?
Economy Watch: Existing Home Sales Rise, According to National Association of Realtors
The National Association of Realtors reported that total existing home sales nationwide rose 1.7 percent to an annualized rate of 5.48 million units in August, compared with 5.39 million in July.
Economy Watch: Housing Starts Edge Up in August
The Census Bureau reported that U.S. private housing starts were at an annualized rate of 891,000 units in August.
Economy Watch: Inflation Barely a Whisper
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers edged up by 0.1 percent in August compared with July.
Economy Watch: Residential Prices Continue Climbing
Another indication that the housing recovery still has some legs: FNC reported that its Residential Price Index, which tracks the 100 largest U.S. metro areas, was up 0.7 percent in July compared with June.
‘Economy Watch’ Podcast with Dees Stribling: Consumer Credit Increases
Consumer credit increases, underwater mortgages decrease, and what will the Fed do about QE3?
Economy Watch: Retail Sales Inch up in August
U.S. retail sales increased by a smallish 0.2 percent in August compared with July, according to the Census Bureau.
Economy Watch: Housing Inventory, Median Prices Up
Realtor.com, which is part of the National Association of Realtors, reported on Thursday that the U.S. housing inventory recovery is broad and growing.
Economy Watch: Mortgage Applications Drop as Rates Rise
The Mortgage Bankers Association reported on Wednesday that mortgage refinance activity is at its lowest level since 2009.