Financial Report

Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings on inflation, consumer sentiment, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims.

Inflation Rate Rises in April, Slower Pace Expected in Coming Months

The  U.S. Labor Department reported the month-to-month pace of inflation rose by 0.40 percent in April and matched analysts’ expectations. April’s reading surpassed the March reading of 0.10 percent month-to-month inflationary growth. Inflation rose by 4.90 percent year-over-year in April. Analysts expect inflationary growth to continue, but at a slower pace through 2023.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, rose at a month-to-month pace of 0.40 percent in April, which matched expectations and the March reading. Year-over-year core inflation rose by 4.90 percent in April as compared to the expected reading of 5.00 percent and the March reading of 5.00 percent.

Mortgage Rates Fall as Jobless Claims Rise

Freddie Mac reported lower average mortgage rates last week as rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by four basis points to 6.35 percent. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged one basis point lower at 5.75 percent. First-time jobless claims rose with 264,000 claims filed as compared to the expected reading of 245,000 claims and the prior week’s reading of 242,000 initial jobless claims filed.

As inflation slows, rapidly rising rental rates and home prices are also expected to increase at a slower pace. As homeownership becomes more affordable, fewer families will rely on rental homes. Less demand for rentals should help with easing very high rental rates seen in many metro areas. In general, more affordable housing choices could help ease housing challenges in areas with few affordable housing options.

The preliminary consumer sentiment survey for May reflects less consumer enthusiasm for current economic conditions. The initial index reading for May is 57.7, which fell short of the expected reading of 63.0 and April’s index reading of 63.5. May’s reading was the lowest since November 2022.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on sales of previously-owned homes, housing market conditions, housing starts, and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be released.

Last week’s economic news included reporting on construction spending, the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise its benchmark interest rate, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims.

Construction Spending Increases in March

The Commerce Department reported that month-to-month construction spending rose by 0.30 percent and year-over-year construction spending increased by $1.83 trillion. Residential construction fell by -0.20 percent in March, which was the tenth consecutive monthly decline in residential construction spending. Non-residential construction spending rose by 0.70 percent in March for the ninth gain in the past 10 months.

Fed Raises Key Interest Rate Range

Federal Reserve policymakers raised the Fed’s key interest rate range by a quarter point to 5.00-5.25 percent at its Federal Open Market Committee meeting held on Tuesday and Wednesday. This was the tenth consecutive rate hike as the Fed continues efforts to control inflation.

Analysts noticed a subtle change in the tone of the Fed’s post-meeting statement and suggested that the less aggressive tone used in the post-meeting statement signaled a softer approach to raising the Fed’s benchmark rate. While some Fed policymakers recently suggested the possibility of a recession, Fed Chair Jerome Powell disagreed: “This is not my own most likely case.” Chair Powell also said that he expected economic growth in 2023 but at a slower pace.

Mortgage Rates Mixed, Jobless Claims Rise

Freddie Mac reported mixed movement of mortgage rates last week as the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by four basis points to 6.39 percent. The average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by five basis points to 5.76  percent.

Initial jobless claims rose to 242,000 claims filed last week as compared to the prior week’s reading of  229,000 first-time claims filed. Continuing jobless claims fell with 1.81 million claims filed as compared to the prior week’s reading of 1.84 million claims filed.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes readings include readings on inflation and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be published.