The Labor Department reports new applications for unemployment fell by 4,000 to 232,000 last week. Economists expected a seasonally adjusted 240,000. Continuing claims fell by 22,000 to 1.9 million the week before. That’s the lowest level in 29 years.
The Conference Board reports the leading economic index rose 0.3% in April and pointed to faster growth in the spring after a weak first-quarter gross domestic product. That follows a 0.5% gain in March.The index is a weighted gauge of 10 indicators designed to signal business-cycle peaks and valleys.
Freddie Mac reports the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.02% this week, down from last week’s 4.05%. A year ago it was 3.58%. The 15-year fixed 3.27% down from 3.29%. A year ago it was 2.81%.
Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.
