The National Association of Realtors® Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) fell 7.1% month-over-month in August to a reading of 71.8.
News in end use
Canadian Real GDP Flat in July
Real GDP was basically unchanged in July, following a 0.2% decline in June. Service-producing industries inched 0.1% higher, while goods-producing industries declined 0.3%.
Personal Income, Disposable Income, and Personal Consumption Expenditures All Increase in August
Personal income (PI) increased 0.4% in August; disposable personal income (DPI) increased 0.2%; and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased 0.4%.
University of Michigan Reports Final Results of Its Consumer Sentiment Index for September
The University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment declined to a reading of 68.1 in September, down from 69.5 in August—a month-over-month decline of 2.0%.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages Climbed Higher in the Week Ending September 28th
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.31%, up from last week when it averaged 7.19%, according to Freddie Mac.
Real GDP Increases at an Annual Rate of 2.1% in Q2, BEA Reports in Its “Third” Estimate
According to the BEA’s “third” estimate, GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.1% in Q2. This follows an increase of 2.2% in Q1.
US Weekly Jobless Claims Increase for the Week Ending September 23rd
The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 204,000 during the week ending Saturday, September 23rd. This is an increase of 2,000.
Canadian Survey of Employment, Payroll, and Hours Posts Modest Gains in July
Payroll employment was up only 4,900 in July, following an increase of 65,900, or 0.4%, in June. Job vacancies declined by 43,100, or 5.8%.
US Home Values Continue to Soar in 2023, Led by New Home Construction
Zillow estimates that the total value of the US housing market is now slightly less than $52 trillion, $1.1 trillion higher than the previous peak in June.
Mortgage Applications Retreat in Week Ending September 22nd
Mortgage loan application volume decreased 1.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.