August 2010 Jobs Report Pushes Mortgage Rates Higher
On the first Friday of each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases Non-Farm Payrolls data for the month prior.
The data is more commonly called “the jobs report” and it’s a major factor in setting mortgage rates for homeowners everywhere. Especially today, considering the economy.
This is because, although it’s believed that the recession of 2009 is over, there’s emerging talk of new recession starting.
Support for the argument is mixed:
- Job growth has been slow, but planned layoffs touch a 10-year low
- Consumer confidence is down, but beating expectations
- Consumer spending is weak, but not declining
In other words, the economy could go in either direction in the latter half of 2010 and the jobs market may be the key. More working Americans means more paychecks earned, more taxes paid, and more money spent; plus, the confidence to purchase a “big ticket” items such as a home.
Jobs growth can provide tremendous support for housing, too.
Today, though, jobs growth was “fair”. According to the government, 54,000 jobs were lost in August, but that reflects the departure of 114,000 Census workers. The private sector (i.e. non-government jobs), by contrast, added 67,000.
In addition, net new jobs was revised higher for June and July by a total of 123,000. That’s a good-sized number, too.
Right now, Wall Street is reacting with enthusiasm, bidding up stocks at the expense of bonds — including mortgage-backed bonds. This is causing mortgage rates to rise. Rates should be higher by about 1/8 percent this morning.
Related posts:
- The January 2010 Jobs Report May Lead Mortgage Rates And Home Prices Higher
- May 2010 Jobs Report Gives A Temporary Boost To Home Affordability
- Nervous About Mortgage Rates Rising? Lock Thursday — Ahead Of Friday’s Jobs Report
Michael Haigh has 20+ years of professional experience in the banking and mortgage industry. He has the knowledge, education, and dedication to get you the best loan for your situation, answer your questions honestly and completely, and make your mortgaging experience a pleasure. His reputation includes being the number one lender in the country for CitiBank for 9 years, then at Chase for 1 year and now with WJ Bradley since August of 2009. This is because of the quantity of loans, myriad of people he's helped, and his dedication to helping his clients find the perfect loan for them.
