Biscotto Team

Bringing Dreams to Reality

  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Disclosures
  • Our Team
  • Resources
    • First Time Buyer Tips
    • First Time Seller Tips
    • Closing Costs
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Programs
    • Loan Process
    • Mortgage FAQ
    • Mortgage Glossary
  • Calculator
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 8, 2021

February 8, 2021 by Biscotto Team

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - February 8, 2021Last week’s economic news included Commerce Department readings on construction spending, labor sector reporting on public and private-sector job growth, and the national unemployment rate. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

Construction Spending Driven by Housing Sector in December

The Commerce Department reported a one percent gain in construction spending in December to a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of $1.49 trillion. Residential construction drove spending for the seventh consecutive month with a 3.10 percent gain in spending. Construction for public projects rose by 0.50 percent; private-sector spending on non-residential construction fell by -1.70 percent.

Demand for housing remained high as supplies of previously-owned homes ran below average and homebuyers turned to new housing developments. Flight to less congested metro areas continued to drive demand for single-family homes. Builders cited rising materials costs and land and labor shortages as ongoing challenges to building affordable homes.

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady as Job Growth Improves

Freddie Mac reported little change in average mortgage rates last week. The average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages was unchanged at 2.73 percent. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 2.21 percent and one basis point higher. The average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages was two basis points lower at 2.78 percent. Discount points averaged 0.70 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and 0.60 percent for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages. Points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 0.30 percent.

Public and private-sector job growth improved in January. ADP reported 174,000 private-sector jobs as compared to a negative reading of -78,000 jobs in December. Analysts forecasted 48,000 private-sector jobs added in January.

The federal government’s Non-Farm Payrolls report showed 49,000 public and private-sector jobs added, which fell short of the expected 50,000 jobs added, but the job growth reading was good news when compared to December’s reading of -227,000 jobs lost.  In related news, the national unemployment rate fell to 6.30 percent as compared to December’s reading of 6.70 percent 

Fewer Jobless Claims Filed

779,000 initial jobless claims were filed last week as compared to the prior week’s reading of 812,000 first-time claims filed. Continuing jobless claims also fell with 4.59 million ongoing claims reported; 4.79 million continuing claims were filed during the prior week.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on inflation and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be released

Biscotto Team

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

The Biscotto team logo
Vinny Biscotto

WANT TO BUY A HOME?

NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Talk to Vinny!

Vinny Biscotto is your dedicated mortgage loan originator.

Vinny Biscotto


CALL (817) 714-5090

NMLS #1577299

APPLY WITH VINNY  
GET A RATE QUOTE  

Connect with Me

How can I help?

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

Browse articles by category

Archives

Quick Links

  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosures
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Equal Housing Lenderv NMLS ID 806183
NMLS Consumer Access
equal housing lender

Our Location

1240 Southridge Court #104
Hurst, Texas

Copyright © 2022 · Powered by MySMARTblog

Copyright © 2022 · Genesis Sample Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in