Gold has resumed its upward movement as investors analyzed trade-related comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent while awaiting the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates. Bessent recently stated that several attractive offers were made to the United States during negotiations with trade partners, reiterating that some deals might be announced as soon as this…
by Calculated Risk on 5/07/2025 04:01:00 PM From Dodge Data Analytics: Dodge Momentum Index Increases 1% in April The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, grew 0.9% in April to 205.1 (2000=100) from the downwardly revised March reading of 203.1. Over the month, commercial planning grew 3.3% while institutional planning fell 4.2%….
by Calculated Risk on 5/07/2025 02:00:00 PM Fed Chair Powell press conference video here or on YouTube here, starting at 2:30 PM ET. FOMC Statement: Although swings in net exports have affected the data, recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate has stabilized at a…
by Calculated Risk on 5/07/2025 11:11:00 AM Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: 1st Look at Local Housing Markets in April A brief excerpt: This is the first look at several early reporting local markets in April. I’m tracking over 40 local housing markets in the US. Some of the 40 markets are…
by Calculated Risk on 5/07/2025 09:32:00 AM From Manheim Consulting today: Wholesale Used-Vehicle Prices Increased in April Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage, and seasonally adjusted basis) were much higher in April compared to March. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) increased to 208.2, an increase of 4.9% from a year ago and…
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has declared its readiness to take decisive measures to prevent inflation from falling below the target level necessary to ensure price stability. The head of the bank, Martin Schlegel, during a speech in Zurich, noted that currency interventions and lowering interest rates to negative values are considered among possible steps. …
by Calculated Risk on 5/06/2025 07:46:00 PM Note: Mortgage rates are from MortgageNewsDaily.com and are for top tier scenarios. Wednesday:• At 7:00 AM ET, The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) will release the results for the mortgage purchase applications index. • At 2:00 PM, FOMC Meeting Announcement. No change to to the Fed funds rate is…
Markets Take Pause After Record Rally The S&P 500 Index slipped Monday, ending its most impressive run of gains in two decades. Investors are taking a wait-and-see approach ahead of a key Federal Reserve meeting later this week. Optimism has been dampened by President Donald Trump’s surprise remarks about upcoming tariffs. Nine Steps Up, One…
by Calculated Risk on 5/06/2025 02:01:00 PM Anecdotally, I’ve heard that airlines ticket prices are falling. That suggests less travel. Also, the Real ID restrictions go in place tomorrow, and that might impact domestic airline travel. This is also something to watch with less international travel. Here are the daily travel numbers from the TSA. This data…
by Calculated Risk on 5/06/2025 10:29:00 AM Today, in the Real Estate Newsletter: Asking Rents Mostly Unchanged Year-over-year Brief excerpt: Another monthly update on rents. Tracking rents is important for understanding the dynamics of the housing market. Slower household formation and increased supply (more multi-family completions) has kept asking rents under pressure. More recently, immigration…