Tag Archives: Jobs

First time claims for unemployment insurance rose 4,000 to 371,000 for the week ended January 5, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Economists expected claims to drop to 362,000 from the prior week [IMAGE] The previous week├â┬ó├óÔÇÜ┬¼├óÔÇ×┬ós report was revised downward to 367,000 from the originally reported 372,000, the first time since April and advance report of claims was revised lower.

According to one mortgage lender, we can expect declining originations, rising interest rates, and fewer mortgage professionals.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) continued its trend of marked monthly improvements in January, according to a release from the NAHB. The index rose for the fifth consecutive month in January to reach 242, once again achieving a record high. According to the NAHB, the list of improving markets now includes entrants from 48 states and the District of Columbia. The only states not represented are Kansas and New Mexico.

The nation├â┬ó├óÔÇÜ┬¼├óÔÇ×┬ós unemployment rate remained at 7.8 percent in December as payrolls increased 155,000, slightly ahead of consensus forecasts, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported Friday. Economists had forecast payrolls would grow by 150,000, slightly higher than the 146,000 increase in payrolls originally reported for November, and that the unemployment rate would remain at November├â┬ó├óÔÇÜ┬¼├óÔÇ×┬ós 7.7 percent.

The national housing market has hit bottom and is now in full recovery mode, according to Veros Real Estate Solutions, a provider of risk management and valuation services. While there remains--as always--some variance across markets, Veros predicts prices in two-thirds of all markets across the nation will either remain flat or rise over the next 12 months. This is the first time since the recession that Veros has forecast gains (or at least no declines) for such a large proportion of markets.

First-time claims for unemployment insurance rose 10,000 to 372,000 for the week ending December 29, the third-lowest level of the year, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Economists expected claims to increase to 363,000. The previous week's report was revised upward to 362,000 from the originally reported 350,000, an unusually large revision but reflective of intervening holidays, during which state processing offices were closed.

First time claims for unemployment insurance dropped 12,000 to 350,000 for the week ended December 22, the third lowest level of the year, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Economists expected claims to increase to 365,000. The previous week├â┬ó├óÔÇÜ┬¼├óÔÇ×┬ós report was revised upward to 362,000 from the originally reported 361,000.

No matter how foggy the haze is, economists typically dust off their crystal balls in December. However economic forecasts too often involve driving by looking in a rear-view mirror. Because housing is a unique expenditure--combining elements of investment and a service--it depends on a variety of elements. The biggest question mark over the housing picture, though, is the fiscal cliff and the on-again, off-again negotiations to avoid a national financial calamity.

First-time claims for unemployment insurance increased 17,000 to 361,000 for the week ending December 15, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Economists expected claims to increase to 359,000. The previous week's report was revised upward to 344,000 from the originally reported 343,000.

The latest Residential Price Index (RPI) report from FNC, Inc., shows property values continued to improve in October on the national level. Home prices were up 0.4 percent in October, marking the eighth consecutive month of price increases. Year-to-date, prices have appreciated at a rate of 5.1 percent. According to FNC, October's price gains falls "in line with indications of continued expansion in economic activity and better employment rates in recent months."