Last week’s economic events included weekly releases on new jobless claims, mortgage rates and testimony by Fed Chair Janet Yellen concerning the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Feburary 8, 2016
Last week’s scheduled economic news included reports on construction spending and several labor-related reports along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. The details:
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 18, 2016
In addition to weekly reports on mortgage rates and new unemployment claims, last weekâs economic news included the Fedâs Beige Book report, retail sales and consumer sentiment. Januaryâs Empire State Index showed an unexpected dip and Consumer Sentiment increased for January.
Federal Reserve Raises Short-Term Interest Rates
After prolonged speculation by economic analysts and news media, the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates for the first time in seven years. Committee members voted to raise the target federal funds rate to a range of 0.25 to 0.50 percent from a range of 0.00 to 0.25 percent to be effective December 17.
S&P Case-Shiller: September Home Prices Gain Across U.S.
Home prices increased across the S&P Case Shiller 20-City Home Price Index in September. According to the 20-City Home Price Index, Year-over year home price gains increased to 5.50 percent from August’s reading of 5.10 percent. 17 cities posted higher year-over0year price gains in September as compared to August.