All posts tagged: Federal Reserve

Case-Shiller Housing Market Index: Home Prices Rise in July

September 30, 2015 Market Outlook Comments Off on Case-Shiller Housing Market Index: Home Prices Rise in July

U.S. home prices rose by 0.10 percent in July according to the S&P Case-Shiller Housing Market Index. San Francisco, California edged past Denver Colorado with a year-over-year price increase of 10.40 percent as compared to Denver’s reading of 10.30 percent. All year-over-readings for the 20-City Home Price Index posted gains, but Washington, D.C. showed the lowest year-over0-year growth rate at 1.70 percent. Chicago, Illinois and New York City followed closely with year-over-year readings of 1.80 percent and 1.90 percent respectively.

NAHB: Builder Confidence Hits Highest Rate in 9 Years; Fed Doesn’t Raise Rates

September 18, 2015 Market Outlook Comments Off on NAHB: Builder Confidence Hits Highest Rate in 9 Years; Fed Doesn’t Raise Rates

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) / Wells Fargo Housing Market Index reported that home builder confidence rose by one point to a reading of 62 for September. This was the highest reading since November 2005, when the NAHB reported a reading of 68 for home builder confidence.

FOMC Minutes: Rate Hike May be Near

August 20, 2015 Market Outlook Comments Off on FOMC Minutes: Rate Hike May be Near

The minutes for the most recent meeting of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) suggest that while committee members won’t specify a date, a rate hike could come sooner than later. Committee members continue to cite concerns over labor markets and other economic factors, but the minutes of the FOMC meeting held July 28 and 29 indicate that a majority of members see a rate change as likely in the near term.

Federal Reserve FOMC Announcement

July 30, 2015 Market Outlook Comments Off on Federal Reserve FOMC Announcement

The stage was set in high suspense for FOMC’s post-meeting announcement on Wednesday. As fall approaches, analysts and the media are looking for any sign of when and how much the Fed will raise its target federal funds rate. According to CNBC, some analysts were projecting two interest rate hikes before year end, but the truth of the matter remains unknown until the Federal Open Market Committee announces its intentions.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 13, 2015

July 13, 2015 Market Outlook Comments Off on What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 13, 2015

Last week’s scheduled economic events were few due to the Independence Day holiday. Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of mortgage rates brought good news as mortgage rates fell across the board. The Federal Reserve released the minutes of its most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and weekly jobless claims rose.

Home Builder Confidence Rises in April

April 16, 2015 Market Outlook Comments Off on Home Builder Confidence Rises in April

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that April’s Housing Market Index rose from a reading of 52 in March to 56 for April. This is in line with warmer weather and the peak home buying season in spring and summer. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders view market conditions as positive as those who do not. NAHB members cited lower mortgage rates and better labor market conditions as reasons they expect more home buyers to enter the market.

Let's talk

If you want to get a free consultation without any obligations, fill in the form below and we'll get in touch with you.
(510) 377-9059