The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 1.6 points to a reading of 95.8 in April.
News in end use
US Asking Rents Post Sharpest Year-Over-Year Decline Since Early 2024
The median US asking rent fell 1% year-over-year to $1,625 in April, the largest decline since February 2024, Redfin reported.
US Consumer Credit Slows in Q1
Total outstanding consumer credit reached $5.01 trillion in Q1, an increase of 1.53% (SAAR) compared to the previous quarter, the Federal Reserve and NAHB reported.
US Mortgage Credit Availability Steady in April After March Spike
The MBA Mortgage Credit Availability Index held steady at 102.9 in April.
Canadian Employment and Unemployment Data for April
Employment was little changed, with 7,400 jobs added. The unemployment rate rose to 6.9%, up 0.2 percentage points from March.
Median US Monthly Housing Payment Hits Another Record High
During the four-week period ending May 4, the median US monthly housing payment hit an all-time high of $2,868, Redfin reported.
US 30-Year Mortgage Rate Unchanged in the Week Ending May 8
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.76%, unchanged from last week, Freddie Mac reported.
US Multifamily Developer Sentiment Declines in Q1
Multifamily developers started Q1 in a cautious state of mind, NAHB reported.
US Weekly Initial Jobless Claims Decline in the Week Ending May 3
The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 228,000, a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week’s unrevised total.
Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Rises in April
The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index increased 1.1 points to a reading of 69.2 in April.