The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4% in March, seasonally adjusted, following a similar 0.4% increase in February.
News in end use
US Median Asking Rents Increase for Third Consecutive Month in March
Tthe median US asking rent rose 0.8% year-over-year to $1,987 in March, marking the third consecutive monthly increase, Redfin reported.
Canadian Government Announces C$6 Billion Housing Infrastructure Fund
Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau has announced a $6 billion (CAD) fund to build critical infrastructure, Ontario Construction News reported.
Mortgage Credit Availability Improves for Third Consecutive Month in March
The Mortgage Bankers Association Mortgage Credit Availability Index increased 1.1% to a reading of 93.9 in March, the third consecutive monthly increase.
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index Edges Lower in March
The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index declined 0.9 to a reading of 88.5, the lowest level since December 2012.
Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Unexpectedly Declines in March
The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index dropped for the first time since November 2023, declining 0.9 points to a reading of 71.9.
US Construction Sector Employment Posts Solid Gains in March
Employment in construction increased by 39,000 in March, following an upwardly revised gain of 26,000 in February, the Census Bureau and NAHB reported.
US Nonfarm Payroll Increases by 303,000 in March; Unemployment Declines to 3.8%
Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 303,000 in March, above the average monthly gain of 231,000 over the prior 12 months.
Canadian Employment Holds Steady in March; Unemployment Moves Higher
Employment was virtually unchanged in March. The unemployment rate increased 0.3 percentage point to 6.1%.
30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages Inch Higher in the Week Ending April 4th
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.82%, up from last week when it averaged 6.79%, Freddie Mac reported.