Low new home sales figures released yesterday support the idea that the Fed's actions to keep inflation under control are finally having the desired effect. |
Low rates combined with the up-tick in consumer confidence are strong indications that the housing market will continue to prosper into the summer months, |
Lower oil prices _ at least compared to the last several months _ have helped to alleviate some of the inflation fears that the market has been experiencing lately. |
Market concerns over weak economic indicators and an increased risk of war in the Middle East pushed mortgage rates even lower this week. That and falling stock prices raised investors' appeal for U.S. Treasury bonds, which in turn allowed most interest rates to drift even lower. |
Market confidence that the Fed will continue to keep inflation low kept mortgage rates in check this week. Over the long term, we expect mortgage rates will bounce back and forth a bit, remaining near current levels. |
Market jitters about high energy costs and the spill over into other sectors of the economy have led to a decline in bond yields, which typically mean lower mortgage rates. |
Market jitters about high energy costs and the spill over into other sectors of the economy have led to a decline in bond yields, which typically means lower mortgage rates, |
Market jitters about high energy costs and the spillover into other sectors of the economy have led to a decline in bond yields, which typically mean lower mortgage rates. |
Markets are on edge, trying to decipher the implications of the latest economic and political statements. It's that uncertainty that is keeping mortgage rates from moving one way or the other. |
Markets remained tame while waiting for Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan's semi-annual testimony to House members about the state of the economy, |
Markets remained tame while waiting for Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan's semi-annual testimony to House members about the state of the economy. |
Meanwhile, fueled by low, affordable mortgage rates, housing starts came in at a nearly 18-year high in October, with an upward revision in September. Our latest economic forecast calls for low inflation into the next year and as long as that holds true, there will be little upward pressure that might force interest rates significantly higher. |
Meanwhile, home construction remains strong and home sales continue to break records easily. In fact, total home sales should end the year two percent higher than 2003's all time record level. |
Meanwhile, housing starts took a breather in September, following the robust pace set in August. |
Meanwhile, regional indicators of manufacturing have shown some improvement over the month, most notably in New York, another hopeful sign the economy is actually gaining additional strength. |