PC sales are down. Two reports from market research firms IDC and Gartnerout yesterday showed improvement in fourth-quarter PC sales compared with 2015. But last year was the fifth consecutive annual drop in worldwide PC unit sales, according to Gartner, with 2016 sales down 6.2%. It said the market is still being affected by smartphones and their impact on the life cycle of PCs.
Freddie Mac reports mortgage rates fell. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.12% this week, down from last week’s 4.20%. A year ago it was 3.92%. The 15-year fixed averaged 3.37% down from 3.44%. A year ago it was 3.19%.
Oil prices are higher. February crude is up 1.9% to $53.20 a barrel on the New York Merc, getting a boost from Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members are cutting output, strong demand growth in China, and a slide in the dollar. Oil gained almost 3% yesterday.
Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.
