Guest Post – Tradition Mortgage’s Weekly Update May 31, 2016

The market for both previously owned homes and newly built homes saw their best activity in years. Improved labor market conditions and low mortgage rates are a great combination to support a very active housing market. The Pending Home Sales Index, which measures the number of contracts signed to buy previously owned homes, jumped in April by 5% over March, to the highest level of activity since February 2006. Similarly, the New Home Sales report, which measures the number of contracts signed to buy newly built homes, surged by 17% over March, to its best level since January 2008.

The Fed has stated that the decision on when to next hike the federal funds rate will depend on the incoming economic data. This week’s data certainly increases the chance of a rate hike in the near term. Besides the strong housing data, Durable Goods orders rose in April by much more than expected. Orders jumped 3.4% from March when an increase of only 0.5% was expected. April data combined with higher revised March orders shows that demand for big ticket items is high and that there is confidence in improved future economic activity.


Week Ahead
Factors: The important monthly Employment report will be released on Friday. As usual, this data on the number of jobs, the Unemployment Rate, and wage inflation will be the most highly anticipated economic data of the month.
Volatility:        Moderate
Trend:            Increasing
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