The economy grew 2% in the 3rd qtr, its slowest rate since the end of the 2020 recession. The slowdown is due to supply chain issues and reduced consumer spending.

Orders for big-ticket items dipped 0.4% in September. Durable goods orders fell for the first time since April as manufacturers grappled with supply chain bottlenecks.

Initial unemployment claims fell to a pandemic low last week as the job market continues to recover from last year's coronavirus recession.

House prices rose 19.8% year over year in August, the same as July, according to Case-Shiller. That’s the first time the annual gain hasn’t increased since early 2020.

New single-family home sales surged to a six-month high in September, but higher house prices are making homeownership less affordable for some first-time buyers.

Pending home sales fell slightly in September, possibly due to higher mortgage rates. Fewer bidding wars and more inventory in August had hinted at a cooling market.

Supply chain issues continue to contribute to rising inflation, as manufacturers and distributors of goods struggle to deliver as much as pre-pandemic levels.

The Fed said employers reported significant increases in prices and wages even as economic growth slowed to a “modest to moderate” pace in September and early October.

Jobless claims hit another pandemic low, dropping to 290,000 last week, the 3rd straight drop. Continuing claims also continued their steady decline.

Homebuilding unexpectedly fell in September. Permits dropped to a 1-year low amid shortages of materials and labor, supporting expectations of slowing economic growth.

Existing home sales rose in September, likely due to a brief decline in mortgage rates. First-time buyers made up just 28% of sales, the lowest level since July 2015.

Single-family rents are surging, and investors are flooding the market. August rents rose 9.3% year over year, up from a 2.2% year-over-year increase in August 2020.

Minutes from their last meeting show the Fed feels the economy is close to reaching their prescribed targets to begin tapering bond buying soon, pressuring rates higher.

Consumer prices grew slightly more than expected in September, when food and energy increases offset declines in used car prices. Inflation can contribute to higher rates.

Jobless claims fell last week to the lowest since March 2020, as employers hang onto their workers in the tight labor market. Continuing claims dropped to 2.6 million.

Foreclosures are rising, but numbers should stay relatively low due to high levels of home equity and aggressive modifications by lenders.

Purchase applications increased 2% for the week but were 10% lower than the same week one year ago. Refinance applications fell 1% for the week and were 16% lower year over year.

A recent survey of agents shows rising prices are causing problems with appraisals. 23% of contracts were delayed and 12% then terminated due to appraisal issues, according to the survey.

The Fed's favorite inflation gauge rose 3.6% to a 30-year high in August. Inflation will typically pressure interest and mortgage rates higher.

Stock market holdings made up about half of the $109.2 trillion of household-owned financial assets through the second quarter of 2021, reaching a 70-year high.

Initial jobless claims fell last week to 326k, the lowest in a month, pointing to ongoing improvement in the labor market. Continuing claims fell to 2.7 million.

The housing market has been fiercely competitive over the last few months, but housing analysts predict buyers who keep getting shut out may soon find better luck.

Bathroom renovations have become popular in the last year, particularly upgrades with spa-like features such as rainfall shower heads, dual showers, and whirlpool baths.

Purchase mortgage applications declined 2% for the week and were 13% lower than the same week one year ago. Refinance demand fell to the lowest level in three months.

In testimony before Congress, Fed Chair Powell cautioned that the causes of the recent rise in inflation may last longer than anticipated. Inflation could pressure rates higher.

The economy expanded at a 6.7% annual pace in the 2nd qtr despite a resurgence of COVID-19, a slight increase over earlier growth estimates.

Initial jobless claims rose for the 3rd straight week. However, unadjusted claims, which economists say offer a better gauge of the labor market, fell slightly last week.

Home prices climbed to a new record in July, as buyers continued to compete fiercely amid a shortage of homes for sale. There are signs the market frenzy might be easing.

Following 2 months of declines, pending home sales surged more than expected in August. Sales increased 8.1% over July but were still down 8.3% from last year.

Mortgage rates started to rise last week. Refinance and purchase applications both fell 1% from the previous week.