Pending-home sales decline again, deepening housing market funk

  • May 31, 2017
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  • realestatelife

A gauge of home purchase contract signings slumped for a second month in April, another sign the housing market is still struggling for a balance between supply and demand. The pending home sales index from the National Association of Realtors fell 1.3% to a level of 109.8 from a downwardly-revised March reading. The index was

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Trade deficit drops 2.3% in May, but the trend is no friend

  • July 6, 2017
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  • realestatelife

The trade deficit fell 2.3% in May largely because of fewer imports of cell phones and other consumer goods, but the longer-run outlook for the U.S. was still grim. The deficit slipped to $46.5 billion in May from $47.6 billion in April, the Commerce Department said Thursday. Economists polled had forecast a $46.3 billion gap.

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Economy shifts to merely fast from furious: Chicago PMI

  • May 31, 2017
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  • realestatelife

The Chicago business barometer, or Chicago PMI, fell to 55.8 in May from a 28-month high of 58.3 in April. Any reading over 50 indicates improving conditions

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JOBS BOOM: Private sector adds 253,000 jobs in May, far surpassing expectations, according to ADP.

  • June 1, 2017
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  • realestatelife

In a major sign of a US economic rebound, the private sector added 253,000 jobs in May, according to payroll processor ADP. The figure far exceeded expectations of 185,000.

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Mortgage rates slide to fresh 2017 low as inflation slips through Fed’s fingers

  • June 1, 2017
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  • realestatelife

The benchmark rate for home loans remained in free fall in the most recent week in the wake of lackluster economic data that hinted the central bank may be slower to raise interest rates than it expects. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.94%, down one basis point during the week and marking a fresh 2017

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U.S. jobless claims slightly climb

  • July 6, 2017
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  • realestatelife

Initial jobless claims in the period running from June 25 to July 1 increased 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 248,000, the government said Thursday. Initial claims count people who apply for benefits after losing their jobs.

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U.S. manufacturing kept strength in May

  • June 1, 2017
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  • realestatelife

U.S. manufacturing continued to churn higher in May, according to a survey of purchasing managers released Thursday. The Institute for Supply Management said its manufacturing index edged up a tenth of a point to 54.9%. Economists polled expected a reading of 55%. Readings above 50% indicate expansion.

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US Economy Adds Fewer Jobs in May Than Expected

  • June 2, 2017
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  • realestatelife

The U.S. economy added 138,000 net new jobs in May, falling short of expectations for 185,000 jobs. The unemployment rate ticked lower to 4.3% from 4.4%, while the labor force participation rate edged down slightly to 62.7% from 62.9% during the month.

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Mortgage rates surge as latest ‘taper tantrum’ takes a bite

  • July 6, 2017
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  • realestatelife

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.96% in the July 6 week, up eight basis points during the week. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.22%, up from 3.17% last week. The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 3.21%, up four basis points. Those rates don’t include fees associated with obtaining mortgage loans.

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Job Report Data

  • June 2, 2017
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  • realestatelife

May Non Farm Payrolls 138,000 vs. estimates of 185,000. April NFP revised from 211,000 to 174,000. Unemployment Rate 4.3% vs. estimates of 4.4%. Average Hourly Wages MOM 0.2% vs. estimates of 0.2%. Average Hourly Wage YOY 2.5%.

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