> The Fed’s January minutes affirm patience with policy rate increases. Foreign events, low inflation and soft wage growth could delay changes. Analysts say rate hikes probably will not come before June and will likely be gradual.
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> Supporting Fed delays, January’s Producer Price Index fell. Lower energy prices contribute to producer inflation levels that are lower than the goal.
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> Industrial production’s sluggish but upward trend also supports Fed delays. January’s numbers increased, but December’s were revised downward.
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> January housing starts dropped after a December boost. Housing starts are higher year-over-year.
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> Home builders are still feeling positive overall, with sales expectations fueling the good mood. They predict more sales in 2015 and a bigger surge next year.
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> Freddie Mac’s February Outlook revises upward the forecast for house price increases in 2015. The change is due to strong price growth plus tight inventory.
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> After a particularly stressful day, the telemarketer was relieved when a very friendly lady answered his call. After pleasant small talk, he asked for Mr. Smith. Explaining that Mr. Smith no longer lived at that address, the lady kindly offered his new number and assured the telemarketer he would find Mr. Smith there. The telemarketer called the number right away and was surprised to hear a recording:
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> “Thank you for calling Green Acres Cemetery…”
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> Rate movements and volatility are based on published, aggregate national averages and measured from the previous to the most recent midweek daily reporting period. These rate trends can differ from our own and are subject to change at any time.
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> Sincerely,
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> Frank Monetti
> Mortgage Capital Partners, Inc
> Vice President – Sales
> NMLS 263724
> (732) 972-8800
> [email protected]
> www.frankmonetti.com
>