Mortgage rates improved slightly last week., as economic news was a mixed bag with retail sales and housing starts coming in lower than expected, but home builder confidence in housing markets increased. Weekly jobless claims fell, and Fed Chair Ben Bernanke testified before the Senate, saying that falling gold prices were an indication of increasing confidence in the economy, but that it was "way too soon" to say when the Fed's quantitative easing program would be reduced. What's Coming Up | Date | Time (ET) | Statistic | For | Market Expects |
| 07/22/13 | 10:00:00 AM | Existing Home Sales | Jun | 5.28M |
| 07/23/13 | 01:15:00 PM | 2Y Treasury Note Auction | '- | '- |
| 07/24/13 | 10:00:00 AM | New Home Sales | Jun | 481K |
| 07/24/13 | 01:15:00 PM | 5Y Treasury Note Auction | ||
| 07/25/13 | 08:30:00 AM | Initial Claims | 07/20/13 | 328K |
| 07/25/13 | 08:30:00 AM | Durable Orders | Jun | 1.50% |
| 07/25/13 | 08:30:00 AM | Durable Goods -ex transportation | Jun | 0.40% |
| 07/25/13 | 01:15:00 PM | 7Y Treasury Note Auction | '- | '- |
| 07/26/13 | 09:55:00 AM | Michigan Sentiment - Final | Jul | 84.2 |
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Affordability remains high for home buyers. Long term it is expected to see home prices and interest rates to rise; it is a good time to buy a home.