The Labor Department reports new claims for unemployment benefits fell by 15,000 to a seasonally adjusted 233,000 last week. Continuing claims increased by 28,000 to 1.98 million the week ended July 8.
Freddie Mac reports the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.96% this week, down from last week’s 4.03%. A year ago it was 3.45%. The 15-year fixed averaged 3.23% down from3.29%. A year ago it was 2.75%.
The Conference Board reports the index of Leading Economic Indicators rose 0.6% in June after May’s revised 0.4% increase. That suggests growth could speed up in coming months. The improvement in the index was led by strong housing permits after several months of weakness.
Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.
