housing market - feds leave rates unchanged this week

Please enjoy this quick update on what happened this week in the housing and financial markets.

	The Fed concluded the most recent FOMC meeting and announced there would be no policy rate increases. The next FOMC meeting is scheduled for March 14/15.
	Economic activity in manufacturing expanded in January, surpassing economists' expectations. Manufacturers grew at the fastest pace in more than 2 years.
	The Consumer Confidence Index dropped in January after reaching a 15-year high in December. Despite the slight drop, consumers remain confident overall.

	Construction spending was down slightly overall in December. However, spending on residential structures was up 0.5%.
	Despite an increase in mortgage rates, pending home sales rose 1.6% in December compared to November. Sales were up 0.3% year-over-year.
	Home prices continue to rise, up 5.6% in November according to Case-Shiller. Increases are supported by rising personal income & decreasing unemployment.

When an employment application asks who is to be notified in case of emergency, I always write, “A very good doctor."

Rate movements and volatility are based on published, aggregate national averages and measured from the previous to the most recent midweek daily reporting period. These rate trends can differ from our own and are subject to change at any time.

Sincerely,

Christopher Gianino
Pinnacle Real Estate Advisor by Gershman Mortgage
Vice President
NMLS 252641
(314) 280-5662
cgianino@gershman.com
www.PinnacleRealEstateAdvisor.com