News in end use

On Tuesday (1-4-22) the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS) for November 2021. According to the JOLTS report, as of the last day in November, the number of job openings decreased to 10.6 million (-529,000 or -6.6%). The number of hires was increased to 6.7 million in November, up from October’s 6.5 million. The hire rate was 4.5% up from 4.4% in October.

House prices outpace increases in median household income.

Redfin reports median home sales prices reached record highs at the end of 2021.

U.S. construction spending slightly higher in November.

Mortgage rates edge higher at the end of December.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports declining initial filings for unemployment benefits.

A survey indicates inflation and energy costs are impacting expected home buyers and sellers.

The National Association of Realtors report pending home sales dropped 2.2% in November.

The Case-Shiller National Home Price index shows continued gains in US home prices.

The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development jointly announced on Thursday (12-23-21) that new residential single-family home sales for November 2021 were at a SAAR of 744,000, according to estimates. This is 12.4% above the revised October rate of 662,000 but is -14.0% below the November 2020 estimate of 865,000.