Daily Rate Lock Advisory

Indexes Affecting Rate Lock

High

Negative

Retail Sales

The Commerce Department gave us August’s Retail Sales data early this morning, reporting a 0.4% increase in consumer spending. That was stronger than the 0.2% that expected. Because consumer spending makes up almost 70% of the U.S. economy, the stronger reading makes the data bad news for bonds and mortgage rates. The size of the reaction in bonds is somewhat surprising since a secondary reading that excludes more volatile auto transactions came in lower than expected. Still, this is considered to be a major piece of economic data, so the headline number is apparently driving trading.

Medium

Negative

University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment (Prelim)

Also posted this morning was the University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment for September. It came in at 92.0, exceeding forecasts of 90.2 and up from August’s final reading. The increase means more surveyed consumers felt better about their own financial situations than did last month. Rising confidence in their own financial and employment situations means consumers are more likely to spend money, fueling economic growth. Therefore, we should consider this data to be bad news for rates too.

Medium

Unknown

None

Next week does not have any major economic data for the markets to digest. Most of what is scheduled is housing related. However, we do have the FOMC meeting taking place mid-week. There is much debate about what the Fed will do (or not do) at this meeting. That elevates the possibility of seeing significant volatility after it adjourns. This meeting also includes revised Fed economic projections and a press conference. Look for details on it and the rest of the week’s activities in Sunday evening’s weekly preview.

Rate Lock Advisory

Mortgage Rate Trend

Indexes Affecting Rate Lock

Retail Sales

University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment (Prelim)

None

Float / Lock Recommendation