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%.
News in end use
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.
US Single-Family Lot Sizes Continued to Shrink and Cost More in 2022, but Trailed Inflation Rates
The National Association of Home Builders’ analysis of Census Bureau data reveals that lot values for single-family detached spec homes continued to increase in 2022.
US New Residential Single-Family Home Sales Decline Month-Over-Month in August
New residential single-family home sales for August were at a SAAR of 675,000, according to estimates. This is 8.7% below the revised July rate.
FHFA House Price Index Increased Month-Over-Month and Year-Over-Year in July
The Federal Housing Finance Agency US House Price Index rose 0.8% month-over-month in July, seasonally adjusted. Year-over-year, prices rose 4.6%.