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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U.S. trade deficit climbs

  • June 2, 2017
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  • realestatelife

The nation’s trade deficit rose 5.2% in April, keeping the U.S. on track to post a bigger gap in 2017 than in 2016. The deficit climbed to $47.6 billion in April from a revised $45.3 billion in March, the Commerce Department said Friday. Economists polled had forecast a $46.5 billion gap.

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Service sector accelerates in June, ISM survey finds

  • July 6, 2017
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  • realestatelife

The Institute for Supply Management’s nonmanufacturing index rose to 57.4% in June from 56.9% in May, topping the economist consensus for a reading of 56.5%.

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U.S. productivity in first quarter: zero

  • June 5, 2017
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  • realestatelife

The productivity of American companies and their employees wasn’t as bad in the first quarter as originally reported. The government on Monday said productivity was unchanged in the first three months of 2017 instead of declining at a 0.6% annual rate. The biggest change: The increase in output, or how many goods and services companies

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