Blog categorized as The Economy

Non-Farm Payrolls (Sep 2009 - est. Aug 2011)

If you're shopping for a mortgage rate, today may be a good day to lock one down. That's because Friday morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its Non-Farm Payrolls report for August 2011.

The "jobs report" tends to have a big influence on mortgage bonds and mortgage rate...

01.09.11 04:02 PM - Comment(s)

Non-Farm Payrolls Aug 2009-July 2011More Americans are getting back to work.

The latest Non-Farm Payrolls survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 117,000 net new jobs were created in July, thumping analyst estimates and surprising Wall Street investors.

In addition, May and June's originally-reported figures were both revi...

11.08.11 04:06 PM - Comment(s)

Mortgage rates are runningMortgage rates continue drifting downward, despite -- or because of -- a ratings downgrade on long-term U.S. government debt. Standard & Poors issued a single-notch downgrade after Friday's market close, from AAA to AA+.

Of the roughly $9.4 billion in publicly-held U.S. debt, 72 percent is long-t...

09.08.11 04:03 PM - Comment(s)

Net new jobs, 3-month rolling average 2000-2011

At 8:30 AM ET Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the July 2011 Non-Farm Payrolls report. Mark it in your calendar. If you've been watching mortgage rates fall to new all-time lows this week and fear a mortgage rate reversal, Friday could be the day.

The monthly Non-Farm Payrolls data...

03.08.11 04:04 PM - Comment(s)

Debt ceiling debate resolutionThe United States is projected to reach its legal $14.294 trillion debt limit today. The limit was set by Congress February 12, 2010. The U.S. Treasury may not issue new debt beyond the debt ceiling.

Since April 2011, Congress has debated ways to remain below the nation's $14.292 trillion borrowing l...

02.08.11 03:59 PM - Comment(s)

Retail Sales 2010-2011The American Consumer will not be deterred.

Despite worsening jobless figures and an increase in the Cost of Living, Retail Sales are climbing. In June, for the 12th straight month, retail receipts rose, excluding cars and auto parts.

Analysts expected no change from May. Instead, receipts topped...

15.07.11 04:02 PM - Comment(s)

Predictions are risky businessThe year is half-over. It's an opportune time to take stock of analyst predictions made at the start of the year, and to recognize that the "experts" can be wrong as often as they are right.

For as much experience and authority an expert brings to the conversation, though, nobody can accura...

08.07.11 04:00 PM - Comment(s)

U.S. job growth since 2000

Friday morning, at 8:30 AM ET, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its June Non-Farm Payrolls report. If you're currently shopping for a mortgage, or floating a mortgage rate, be prepared. Mortgage rates can change following the monthly report's release.

Often, by a lot.

More commonly called "...

07.07.11 04:05 PM - Comment(s)

Retail Sales historyThe jobs market is recovering slower than expected, and so is housing. But neither condition has slowed U.S. consumers.

According to the Census Bureau, Retail Sales rose for the 11th straight month in May. Excluding cars and auto parts, sales receipts climbed to $322 billion last month. It's an ...

15.06.11 04:07 PM - Comment(s)

Unemployment Rate

Tomorrow morning, at 8:30 AM ET, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its Non-Farm Payrolls report for May. If you're floating a mortgage rate right now -- or are in the process of shopping for a loan -- consider locking your rate sooner rather than later.

The Non-Farm Payrolls report can be a maj...

02.06.11 04:02 PM - Comment(s)

Retail Sales May 2009-April 2011Another day, another piece of evidence that the U.S. economy is expanding.

Thursday, the Census Bureau released the April Retail Sales report. Excluding cars and auto parts, retail receipts rose for the 10th straight month and, at $321 billion, reached an all-time high.

Retail sales account for roughl...

13.05.11 04:07 PM - Comment(s)
Job Growth (2000-2011) Be prepared for Friday morning. Mortgage rates and home affordability could worsen quickly. At 8:30 AM ET, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its April  Non-Farm Payrolls report and momentum has been strong. The monthly jobs report is a market-mover and analysts expect that 196,000 new jo...
05.05.11 04:01 PM - Comment(s)

Consumer Price Index (March 2009 - February 2011)Inflation pressures are mounting in the United States. And, Friday, the Consumer Price Index should prove it.

More commonly called "The Cost of Living Index", CPI measures cost changes in the typical items bought by American households. Among others, CPI measures goods and service...

14.04.11 04:08 PM - Comment(s)
Retail Sales Rising -- 8 Straight Months Consumer spending is alive and well, it seems -- unwelcome news for today's home buyers. Wednesday, the Census Bureau will release its March Retail Sales figures and the report is expected to show higher sales receipts  for the 9th straight month. A strong reading like that should spell higher...
12.04.11 10:06 PM - Comment(s)

Net new jobs (2009-2011)Friday is a pivotal day for mortgage markets and conforming mortgage rates across Virginia. At 8:30 AM ET, the government will release its March Non-Farm Payrolls report.

More commonly known as "the jobs report", the monthly Non-Farm Payrolls is a market-mover and home buyers would do ...

31.03.11 04:08 PM - Comment(s)
Rent is risingHome sales data is easing so far in this calendar year. Home resales and new construction have dropped to multi-month lows and, in many cities, home supplies are rising. One housing sector that's not slowing, however, is rentals. The rental market is booming. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, ...
23.03.11 04:09 PM - Comment(s)

Unemployment Rate 2008-2011Mortgage rates could move higher beginning tomorrow morning. The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its February jobs report at 8:30 AM ET.

Home buyers and rate shoppers in Henrico would be wise to take note. The jobs report is almost always a market-mover.

Consider last month.

Although net ...

03.03.11 05:45 PM - Comment(s)

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