Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings on construction spending, public and private sector payroll growth, and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Construction Spending Slips in June U.S. construction spending slipped by 0.60 percent to 0.50 percent growth in June; analysts expected a month-to-month reading of  0.70 percent growth in construction spending. Year-over-year construction spending … [Read more...]

Last week’s economic reports included readings on U.S. housing markets, housing starts, and building permits issued. Sales data for previously-owned homes were also released along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims Home Builder Confidence Ticks Up in July The National Association of Home Builders reported a one-point gain in home builder confidence with an index reading of 56 for July. Analysts predicted a reading of 57 and June’s reading was 55. Readings … [Read more...]

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on month-to-month and year-over-year inflation and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. Month-to-Month Inflation Rises as Year-Over-Year Inflation Slows The Consumer Price Index for June rose 0.20 percent in June as compared to May’s reading of 0.10 percent growth and expectations of 0.30 percent month-to-month growth. The core CPI reading, which excludes volatile food and fuel … [Read more...]