07/05/2023
Please enjoy this quick update on what happened this week in the housing and financial markets.
THE ECONOMY:
Consumer confidence jumped in June, reaching its highest level since January 2022. A strong labor market and economy helped. The 3rd and final estimate of 1st quarter GDP showed economic growth at 2.0%, up from the previous estimate of 1.3%. Unemployment applications fell last week by the most since October 2021. Despite the drop, demand for workers has slowly eased.
HOUSING NEWS:
House prices rose slightly in April, up 0.7% from March, according to the FHFA. Prices rose 3.1% year over year. New home sales surged in May, up 12%. Buyers turned to new construction due to the low inventory of existing homes for sale. Purchase mortgage applications rose 3% for the week. Apps were 21% lower year over year due to lack of inventory rather than demand.