With a focus on the upcoming inflation data reports with CPI and PPI this week, the previous week was very light on data. The only relevant reports released were the non-farm payroll and U.S. trade balance data releases. 

Job reports are showing robust hiring numbers and the trade balance remains within expectations. There appears to be to not much to fear coming from this next round of inflation data. Lending partners are reflecting this sentiment as they continue to cut rates.

Non-farm Payrolls

The economy created a greater-than-expected 275,000 new jobs in February, in a seemingly bullish display that could complicate the Federal Reserve’s decision on when to cut U.S. interest rates. Economists surveyed by the Wall Street Journal had predicted a 198,000 increase in new jobs last month.

U.S. Trade Balance

The U.S. international trade deficit widened 5.1% in January to $67.4 billion, the Commerce Department said Thursday. It is the largest trade gap since April 2023; the widening was larger than expected. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had predicted the deficit would widen to a seasonally adjusted $63.4 billion from the initial estimate of a deficit of $62.2 billion in June.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

• 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease by -0.04% with the current rate at 6.22%
• 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease by -0.06% with the current rate at 6.88%

MND Rate Index

• 30-Yr FHA rates are seeing a -0.19% decrease for this week. Current rates at 6.38%
• 30-Yr VA rates are seeing a -0.17% decrease for this week. Current rates at 6.40%

Jobless Claims

Initial Claims were reported to be 217,000 which was right in line with expectations. The prior week landed at 217,000.

What’s Ahead

Upcoming we have the Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index releases for next week; there will not be many other releases.