The Labor Department reports new applications for unemployment benefits were nearly unchanged at 234,000 last week. Economists expected 245,000. New applications have been below 300,000 for 110 straight weeks. The U.S. added 98,000 new jobs last month after 200,000-plus gains in both January and February. Continuing claims fell by 7,000 to 2.03 million.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal yesterday President Trump said the U.S. dollar “is getting too strong” and he would prefer the Federal Reserve keep interest rates low. Financial markets will be closed tomorrow in observance of Good Friday, but it is not a federal holiday.
Freddie Mac reports the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.08% this week down from last week’s 4.10%. A year ago it was 3.58%. The 15-year fixed averaged 3.34% down from 3.36%. A year ago it was 2.86%.
Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.
