According to Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group’s October 2021 commentary, global supply chain constraints continue to cap economic output amid growing inflationary and consumer-spending concerns. Accordingly, the ESR Group revised downward its full-year 2021 real gross domestic product (GDP) growth projections from 5.4% to 4.9%.
News in end use
Median Home Price Jumps 14% in September, Marking 14th Consecutive Months of Double-Digit Gains
Redfin, the Seattle-based, technology-powered real estate brokerage, reported in a news release on Friday (10-15-21) that year-over-year the median home sales prices rose 14% in September to $376,800.
Prices for Goods Used in Residential Construction Decline Modestly in September
A closer look at the recently released Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) September Produce Price Index (PPI), with analysis provided by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), reveals that prices paid for goods used in residential construction, less energy, decreased -0.8% — not seasonally adjusted — in September.
Canadian National Home Sales Increase Month-Over-Month in September
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reported today (Friday 10-15-21) that Canadian national home sales edged higher between August and September 2021. According to the CREA, Canadian home sales rose 0.9% on a monthly basis in September — the first month-over-month increase since March 2021.
Canadian Industrial Product Price Index for September Rose 1% Month-Over-Month and 15% Year-Over-Year
Statistic Canada (StatsCan) today (10-15-21) released their flash estimates for the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI) for September. The IPPI increased 1.0% month-over-month in September and was up 15.0% year-over-year. The month-over-month increase in IPPI was led higher by 3.3% increase in energy and petroleum.
University of Michigan Preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index Released for October
The University of Michigan today (10-15-21) released its preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) for October. The CSI declined to a reading of 71.4 in October, down from 72.8 in September. This is a month-over-month decrease of -1.9% and a year-over-year decrease of -12.7% (81.8 in October 2020).
Remodeling Market Index Up Year-Over-Year Despite Supply Chain and Labor Availability Headwinds
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) / Royal Building Products Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 87 in Q3 of 2021, up 5-points from Q3 of 2020. The HMI reading of 87 is a sign of positive residential remodelers’ sentiment for projects of all sizes.
Canadian Investment in Building Construction Declines for Fourth Consecutive Month in August
Statistic Canada (StatsCan) reported on Wednesday (10-13-21) that investment in building construction declined for the fourth consecutive month, falling -2.0% in August to $17.7 billion (CAD). Residential construction was down -2.9% for the month, while investment in non-residential construction edged up 0.6%.
Mortgage Rates Move Back Above 3% in the Week Ending October 14, 2021
Freddie Mac has released its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) for the week ending October 14, 2021. The PMMS reports that 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.05% with an average 0.7 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.99% percent. A year ago, at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 2.81%.
Producer Price Index for Final Demand Increases 0.5% in September
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today (10-14-21) that the Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand, seasonally adjusted, increased 0.5% in September. Final demand prices rose 0.7% in August, 1.0% in July, 1.0% in June, 0.8% in May, 0.6% in April, 1.0% in March, and 0.5% in February.