Week of June 27, 2022 in Review
Consumer inflation remained near a 40-year high and home purchase activity stayed
strong in May. Home prices also continued to rise in April. And with first quarter GDP
reported at -1.6%, May’s lower than expected Personal Spending report was especially
significant. Here’s what you need to know:
- Consumer Inflation Remains Near 40-Year High
- Home Purchase Activity Still Standing Strong
- Home Price Appreciation Remained Hot in April
- Final First Quarter GDP Reading Sparks More Recession Fears
- Keeping an Eye on Jobless Claims
Consumer Inflation Remains Near 40-Year High
The Fed’s favorite measure of inflation, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE),
showed that headline inflation rose 0.6% in May, which was slightly below the estimates
of 0.7%. The year over year reading remained near a 40-year high of 6.3% but did not
increase like many expected. Core PCE, which strips out volatile food and energy prices
and is the Fed’s real focus, rose by 0.3%, also one tenth beneath expectations. Year
over year, Core PCE decreased from 4.9% to 4.7%.
What’s the bottom line? Remember that the main tool the Fed uses to curb inflation is
hiking its benchmark Fed Funds Rate, which is the interest rate for overnight borrowing
for banks and it is not the same as mortgage rates. Counterintuitively, when the Fed
hikes its benchmark Fed Funds Rate, this can be good for mortgage rates because it
curbs inflation.
At its June meeting, the Fed hiked the Fed Funds Rate by 75 basis points due to high
inflation, which was the largest increase since 1994. The Fed has stated that depending
on the data, they will hike another 50 or 75 basis points at their meeting on July 26-27
and investors will be closely watching what actions the Fed takes later this month.
Home Purchase Activity Still Standing Strong
Kyber Mortgage Corporation dba HyperSmart Home Loans, NMLS ID 2653540. See www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Principal address 6713 Jester Blvd., Austin, Texas 78750. This is not an offer for extension of credit or commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy underwriting guidelines. Not all applicants qualify. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. The content in this advertisement is for informational purposes only. Products not available in all areas. Equal Housing Lender. Corp. Phone: 877-876-3956. Made in Austin, Texas with Love.
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