Tom Spaniel

Preston Hollow Financial Services, Inc

  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Recovery Fund
    • Terms of Use
  • Resources
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
    • Closing Costs
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Loan Programs
    • Mortgage FAQ
    • Mortgage Glossary
  • Reviews
    • Google Reviews
    • Facebook Reviews
  • Services
  • Apply
  • Blog
  • Contact

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 17th, 2018

December 17, 2018 by Tom Spaniel

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 17th, 2018Last week’s economic reports included readings on inflation and retail sales. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

Retail Sales Grow, Inflation Unchanged in November

November retail sales grew by 0.20 percent in November as compared to expectations of 0.10 percent and October’s reading of 1.10 percent growth. Core retail sales, which exclude automotive sales, grew by 0.20 percent and met expectations. Analysts said online stores pushed retail sales growth in November.

Inflation held steady in November as expected. Inflation grew by 0.30 percent in October. Core inflation, which excludes volatile fuel and food sectors, rose by 0.20 percent, which matched October’s reading. Lower fuel prices contributed to the higher Core Price Index reading.

Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims

Freddie Mac reported lower mortgage rates last week, which caused an uptick in demand for homes. Rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped by 12 basis points and averaged 4.63 percent. Mortgage rates for 15-year fixed rate mortgages dropped 14 basis points and averaged 4.07 percent.

Rates s for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 4.06 percent and were three basis points lower than the prior week. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.30 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Last week’s average mortgage rates were the lowest in three months and prompted would-be be home buyers to enter the market.

First-time Jobless claims fell to 206,000 new claims filed as compared to the prior week’s reading of 233,000 new jobless claims filed. Analysts expected 226,000 new claims to be filed. The surge in unemployment claims during the prior week was connected to an early Thanksgiving holiday.

What‘s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued. Sales of previously owned homes will be reported.

The Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee will issue its post-meeting statement along with economic projections for 2019. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released along with a monthly report on consumer sentiment.

Spread the Love!

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Interest Rates, Mortgage Rates, Retail Sales


Contact Tom


Loan Officer
Preston Hollow Financial Services, Inc
CALL (214) 802-9266

NMLS #228693
GET A RATE QUOTE  

Top Dallas Mortgage Brokers
Expertise.com

Reviews

Connect with Me!

Let’s Keep In Touch!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Browse Articles by Category

Quick Links

  • Recovery Fund
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact
nmlsconsumeraccess.org
Equal Housing Lender

Our Location


13709 Braemar Dr
Farmers Branch, TX 75234

Copyright © 2023 · Powered by MySMARTblog