CONTACT ME
Opposing Arguments in Housing Data and Markets

Over the past few weeks, downbeat, cautionary housing market data has been increasingly prevalent. During that time, rates had generally moved lower. But those trends shifted this week--in some cases, abruptly.

Let's look at rates first.  The most recent move lower began after the March 15th Fed Announcement.  The Fed hiked rates, but the outlook for future rate hikes didn't accelerate as much as investors expected.  Investors had "priced-in" the accelerated outlook by trading rates higher ahead of the Fed, and were thus able to trade rates lower when the Fed's stance became clear.  

In other words, the Fed's overall message was slightly more accommodative than markets thought it would be.  Stocks like an accommodative Fed just as much as bonds (aka "rates"), so it was no surprise to see stocks gain some ground at the same time that rates were falling.

In the following week, it was the failure of the healthcare bill that drove both stocks and rates lower.  Markets put an exclamation point on that move on Monday morning.  Until then, investors weren't sure if there would be some update on the healthcare bill.  When the weekend passed without such an update, stocks and rates had a bit farther to fall.

But just a few hours into the domestic trading session, updates from members of the House began hitting the wires.  Then, Speaker Ryan held a press conference saying lawmakers remained committed to passing healthcare legislation and to "getting it right."  

As far as financial markets were concerned, this was better than the absence of information over the weekend. To whatever extent fiscal reforms look viable, the higher rates and stock prices that followed the election are relatively more justified.  Thus the first "opposing argument" to last week's lower rates/stocks was heard.  Markets reacted accordingly although stocks recaptured more lost ground than rates.  

2017-3-31 NL1

In addition to the healthcare updates, financial media has given a fair amount of attention to a rebound in oil prices.  While this does indeed correlate fairly well with movement in stocks and bonds over the short term, there's no question that all three indicators are more than willing to go their separate ways over longer timeframes.  

2017-3-31 NL3

In terms of housing-related data, this week's "opposing arguments" came in the form of strong sales numbers and price gains.  Whereas several HPIs (home price indices) have noticeably begun to decelerate, this week's Case Shiller data (for the month of January) showed the strongest price gains in more than 2 years.

One of the most important home sales metrics was similarly upbeat.  In fact, the National Association of Realtors' Pending Home Sales Index soared to its second highest level in nearly 11 years.  February hit an index level of 112.3.  Apart from last April's 113.6, you'd have to go all the way back to May 2006 to find anything higher.  As always, when looking at charts of home sales data, keep in mind that the homebuyer tax credits distorted the true level of demand in 2009-10.  

2017-3-31 NL2

Next week brings several important economic reports, including the Employment Situation (the big "jobs report") on Friday.  But the focal point for volatility may end up being Wednesday's release of the Minutes from the last Fed meeting.  This will be the first time that markets get to see the Fed's recently-announced "fan charts."  These charts are part of the Fed's forecasts (which are responsible for the move toward lower rates starting March 15th) and will provide a more detailed picture of the Fed's expectations. 

Recently Released Economic Data

Time Event Actual Forecast Prior
Monday, Mar 27
13:00 2-Yr Note Auction (bl) 26
Tuesday, Mar 28
9:00 Jan CaseShiller 20 mm SA (%) +0.9 0.7 0.9
10:00 Mar Consumer confidence 125.6 114.0 114.8
13:00 5-Yr Note Auction (bl) 34
Wednesday, Mar 29
7:00 w/e Mortgage Market Index 403.6 406.8
7:00 w/e MBA Purchase Index 238.1 235.3
7:00 w/e Mortgage Refinance Index 1327.1 1366.1
10:00 Feb Pending homes index 112.3 106.4
10:00 Feb Pending sales change mm (%) +5.5 2.4 -2.8
Thursday, Mar 30
8:30 Q4 GDP Final (%) +2.1 2.0 1.9
8:30 w/e Initial Jobless Claims (k) 258 250 261
8:30 w/e Continued jobless claims (ml) 2.052 2.020 1.990
Friday, Mar 31
8:30 Feb Personal income mm (%) +0.4 0.4 0.4
8:30 Feb Consumption, adjusted mm (%) +0.1 0.2 0.2
8:30 Feb Core PCE price index yy (%) +1.8 1.7
9:45 Mar Chicago PMI 57.7 56.9 57.4
10:00 Mar U Mich Sentiment Final (ip) 96.9 97.6 97.6
Monday, Apr 03
10:00 Mar ISM Manufacturing PMI 57.2 57.0 57.7
Tuesday, Apr 04
9:45 Mar ISM-New York index 735.1 731.9
10:00 Feb Factory orders mm (%) +1.0 1.0 1.2
Wednesday, Apr 05
8:15 Mar ADP National Employment (k) 263.0 187 298
10:00 Mar ISM N-Mfg PMI 55.2 57.0 57.6
Friday, Apr 07
8:30 Mar Non-farm payrolls (k) +98 180 235
8:30 Mar Private Payrolls (k) +89 175 227
8:30 Mar Unemployment rate mm (%) 4.5 4.7 4.7
10:00 Feb Wholesale inventories mm (%) +0.4 0.4 0.4
15:00 Feb Consumer credit (bl) +15.21 13.90 8.79
Wednesday, Mar 27
13:00 7-Yr Note Auction (bl) 41

Event Importance:
No Stars = Insignificant   |   Low   |   Moderate   |   Important   |   Very Important

Around the Web