With the Federal Reserve meeting now concluded, and the board has decided to maintain current interest rates. However, attention remains focused on the potential for rate hikes at the next meeting. While inflation has continued to decline on a month-to-month basis, the overall year-over-year inflation rate remains well above the Federal Reserve’s target.
The PCE Index came in within expectations and has remained largely flat for the first time since the pandemic. Even so, inflation remains a significant challenge overall, as consumers continue to feel the effects of higher fuel and energy prices, along with rising household costs. Personal income data also indicates that wage growth has not kept pace with inflation.
PCE Index
The personal consumption expenditures, or PCE, index dipped 0.1% last month, the government said Thursday, to mark the first decline since 2020. Lower oil prices following a temporary truce with Iran were the chief source of falling prices.
Personal Income
Consumer spending rose again in June to cap off a strong second quarter, but households had to dig deep into their savings to pay for their purchases after a recent surge in inflation. Personal spending rose a modest 0.3% last month, the government said, but it followed even bigger increases in both May and April.
Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index
- 15-Year FRM rates saw an increase of 0.08%, bringing the current rate to 6.04%.
- 30-Year FRM rates saw an increase of 0.08%, bringing the current rate to 6.66%.
MND Rate Index
- 30-Year FHA rates saw a decrease of -0.03%, with current rate at 6.34%.
- 30-Year VA rates saw a decrease of -0.03%, with current rate at 6.36%.
Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 197,000 compared to the expected claims of 200,000. The previous week landed at 187,000.
What’s Ahead
U.S. Trade Balance, U.S. hourly wages and employment data, and consumer credit figures will be released next week. However, it is unlikely that these reports will have a significant impact on the Federal Reserve’s next rate decision.