Guest Post – Tradition Mortgage’s Weekly Update August 8, 2016

On August 09, 2016

Rates Tick Up on Big Job Report

Mortgage rates increased following the release of Friday’s upside surprise in the important monthly Employment report. Against a consensus forecast of 180K, the economy added 255K jobs in July. In addition, upward revisions added 18K jobs to the results for prior months. Stronger job and wage gains are negative for mortgage rates, since they increase the outlook for future inflation.

Rates would have moved even higher, but in a rate friendly move, the Bank of England (BOE) announced a 25 basis point rate cut and a new bond purchase program to stimulate economic activity. Investors had expected the rate cut, but the additional bond purchases were a surprise to some. added demand for bonds from the BOE helped push global bond prices higher and yields lower, including U.S. mortgage rates.

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Week Ahead

Factors: Second quarter Productivity will be released on Tuesday. The JOLTS report, which measures job openings and labor turnover rates, will come out on Wednesday. The most significant report of the week, Retail Sales, will be released on Friday. Consumer spending accounts for about 70% of economic output in the U.S., and the retail sales data is a key indicator.

Volatility:        Moderate
Trend:            Slightly Upward

This information is intended for professional reference only, and not intended for consumer use. Additional qualifications and disclosures apply.

Have a great day!

Jim Krantz
Vice President
NMLS # 761955
Jim.Krantz@TraditionLLC.com
Direct 952.252.4488 / Cell 612.716.9999 / Fax 952.252.4489

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