Housing Plus Financial Markets: Week Ending 04-16-2016

Housing Plus Financial Markets is a snapshot in time on what happened this week in the housing and financial markets for the week ending April 16, 2016.

Housing Plus Financial Markets

• Consumer prices rose less than expected in March and underlying inflation slowed, suggesting the Fed will remain cautious about raising policy rates.

• The labor market, however, continues to show signs of strength. Jobless claims remained below 300,000 for the 58th week, the longest stretch since 1973.

• Oil prices have risen as traders look to Sunday’s meeting of oil producing countries. If oil prices continue to increase, it could pressure rates higher.

• The spring market is heating up as purchase mortgage applications saw a sudden pick up last week. Apps to purchase new construction jumped by 17% in March.

• The “tiny house movement” is continuing to gain steam. Usually around 200 sq ft, these homes are becoming more popular among those looking to shed costs.

• s home values once again rise, it creates new opportunities. An interesting concept, down payment insurance, is now being offered by private companies.

You just read the smart news now it’s time to watch ducks waddle!

Right now we want you to meet Phillip the Duck.

“There was a girl that had to move out of her home that had goats and chickens and ducks and all sort of critters,” says Vicki Rabe-Harrison, from Pickett, “And there was a picture of Phillip with his feet all curled up and dried because they had frozen.”

Instinctively, Vicki took Phillip in.

After watching a video online, Vicki reached out to Mr. Jischke to see if his 3D printer could make Phillip the feet he’d lost.

View the video below for a great story.

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.