No New ECB Stimulus

After spending the last couple of weeks at or near the lowest levels of the year, mortgage rates rose this week. The cause came from investor disappointment with Thursday's European Central Bank (ECB) meeting. The U.S. economic data contained few significant surprises and had little effect.

At its last meeting in March, the ECB announced significant new stimulus measures to spur economic activity and inflation in the eurozone. In speeches following the March meeting, ECB President Mario Draghi emphasized the ECB's readiness to do more if needed. Investors liked what they heard and pushed interest rates around the world lower in anticipation of more stimulus. This week, however, the ECB chose to add no new measures, and some of the improvement in rates was reversed.

The recent housing data was mixed. The existing home sales data for March revealed a solid increase of 5% from February, and they were higher than a year ago. Also notable,inventories of existing homes for sale increased 6%. Tight inventories have been a big factor holding back home sales activity in many regions. National median sale prices were 6% higher than a y ear ago.

In contrast to home sales, housing starts declined 9% from February, but they still were 14% higher than a year ago. The drop was evenly split between single-family and multi-family units. Building permits, a leading indicator of future activity, fell 8% in March but also remained above year ago levels.

The figures for housing starts and building permits are very volatile from month to month, which makes it necessary to look at a longer time period to determine the underlying trend. Housing starts in 2016 are well above the levels seen a year ago.

Looking ahead, the next Fed meeting will take place on Wednesday. No change in rates is expected, but the statement could have an impact on mortgage rates. This will be followed by a Bank of Japan meeting which could influence U.S. markets on Thursday. Before the meetings, durable orders will come out on Tuesday. The first reading for first quarter gross domestic product (GDP), the broadest measure of economic activity, will be released on Thursday. The core PCE price index, the Fed's preferred measure of inflation, will come out on Friday.

Inflation Declines

While the U.S. economic data released over the past week generally was a bit weaker than expected, it was offset to some degree by stronger than expected data in China. The net effect was small, and mortgage rates ended the week just a little higher, up from the lowest levels of the year.

 

While explaining why the Fed plans to move gradually to tighten monetary policy, Fed Chair Yellen said that she was concerned that the recent increase in core inflation may be due totemporary factors. The consumer price index (CPI) report for March released on Thursday might be a sign that her concerns are justified.

 

Core CPI inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy components, was 2.2% higher than a year ago, down from a 2.3% annual rate in February, and below the consensus forecast. This follows four straight months of increasing levels of core inflation and may be the start of a trend lower. It would be good for mortgage rates if inflation continues to decline.

 

Retail sales in March were a good deal weaker than expected. The results were decent, but investors were looking for better. Excluding the volatile auto component, retail sales increased 0.2% from February, which was the largest increase in four months, but it was half the expected level. Consumer spending is an important component of gross domestic product (GDP), and it was somewhat surprising that the report caused so little reaction.

 

 

Looking ahead, the biggest event next week may be Thursday's European Central Bank (ECB) meeting. Bond purchases by the ECB have helped keep global bond yields low, so comments about future policy could have an impact on U.S. mortgage rates. Before that, the NAHB housing index will be released on Monday. Housing starts will come out on Tuesday. Existing home sales will be released on Wednesday.

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Central Banks See Continued Support

Mortgage rates improved again this week and are now near their best levels of the year. Again the improvement resulted from statements by central bankers. The economic data had little effect.

Statements by the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Central Bank (ECB), and the U.S. Fed shared the same sentiment, the global economy needs support. IMF Managing Director Lagarde described economic growth in Europe as "too slow, too fragile". ECB President Draghi said the ECB will do what ever it takes to stimulate growth and raise inflation. Inflation in the eurozone is now -0.1%. The target is 2.0%. The minutes from the U.S. Fed meeting on March 16th supported recent comments that the Fed will take a gradual approach to raising the federal funds rate. These dovish comments were well received by the bond markets, including U.S. mortgage-backed securities.

The economic data released this week shows that the U.S. economy is on far better footing than the overall global economy. The JOLTS report, which measures job openings and labor turnover rates, showed that job openings rose and voluntary quits increased. Both are signs of an improving labor market.

The ISM Services index measures expansion or contraction in the services sector of the economy. Readings above 50 indicate expansion. The index for March, at 54.5, shows that the service sector expanded again and did so at a better pace than the previous two months.

Looking ahead, the Retail Sales report will be released on Wednesday. Consumer spending accounts for about 70% of economic output in the U.S., and the retail sales data is a key indicator. The consumer price index (CPI) will come out on Thursday. CPI is a widely followed monthly inflation report that looks at the price change for goods and services which are sold to consumers. Industrial production, another important indicator of economic activity, will be released on Friday.

Compliments of

Ron V. Black

Mortgage Loan Originator | NMLS ID: 487416

Direct: 425.766.0586 • Fax: 425.458.3257

rblack@ccmclending.com

www.ronvblack.com

10655 NE 4th Street

Suite 703

Bellevue, WA 98004

Copyright © 2014 Cherry Creek Mortgage Co., Inc. NMLS #3001. All rights reserved. Loan products are not available outside of WA. This material is information only and does not constitute an offer to lend or recommend available products.