This Week’s Top Economic Data and Events

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This Week’s Top Economic Data and Events

International Trade Balance

Scheduled: 03/28 • Estimate: -90.0B • Previous: -91.1B

With the banking troubles threatening economies around the globe, a sizable increase in the gap could put some upward pressure on rates.

Consumer Confidence

Scheduled: 03/28 • Estimate: 101.0 • Previous: 102.9

While part of this data was compiled before the banking troubles began spreading, a larger-than-expected increase could help push rates down.

GDP – 3rd Estimate for Q4

Scheduled: 03/28 • Estimate: 2.7% • Previous: 2.7%

Unless we see a 0.2% variance in this reading, it is unlikely to make a significant impact on rates or the market as a whole.

Weekly Jobless Claims

Scheduled: 03/30 • Estimate: 195K • Previous: 191K

The hot job market just won’t cool off, and another reading under 200K reading will generate some upward pressure on mortgage rates.

PCE Prices (core)

Scheduled: 03/30 • Estimate: 0.4% • Previous: 0.6%

If money continues to flow into Treasuries at a high level and the core PCE comes in below predictions, then rates may end the week lower.

This Week's Top Economic Data and Events
Existing Home Sales
Scheduled: 03/21 • Estimate: 4.17M • Previous: 4.00M

A slight bounce back upward is expected for sales, but with all the turmoil in the market, it could be mostly ignored this month.

FOMC Policy Announcement
Scheduled: 03/22

A quarter-point move with language that leaves the Fed wide open to change gears as needed could soothe the market and hold rates steady.

Fed Chair Press Conference
Scheduled: 03/22

If the banking turbulence continues to batter the market, Powell may be forced to focus on the Fed’s plans for dealing with inflation and banks.

Weekly Jobless Claims
Scheduled: 03/23 • Estimate: 195K • Previous: 192K

The hot job market simply refuses to show too many signs of cooling off. Another sub-200K reading would keep some upward pressure on rates.

New Home Sales
Scheduled: 03/23 • Estimate: 645K • Previous: 670K

If both Existing and New Home Sales reveal a decline, we could see some slightly growing downward pressure on mortgage rates.

<h2>This Week's Top Economic Data and Events</h2>
<h3>Existing Home Sales</h3>
<p>Scheduled: 03/21 • Estimate: 4.17M • Previous: 4.00M</p>
<p>A slight bounce back upward is expected for sales, but with all the turmoil in the market, it could be mostly ignored this month.</p>
<h3>FOMC Policy Announcement</h3>
<p>Scheduled: 03/22</p>
<p>A quarter-point move with language that leaves the Fed wide open to change gears as needed could soothe the market and hold rates steady.</p>
<h3>Fed Chair Press Conference</h3>
<p>Scheduled: 03/22</p>
<p>If the banking turbulence continues to batter the market, Powell may be forced to focus on the Fed’s plans for dealing with inflation and banks.</p>
<h3>Weekly Jobless Claims</h3>
<p>Scheduled: 03/23 • Estimate: 195K • Previous: 192K</p>
<p>The hot job market simply refuses to show too many signs of cooling off. Another sub-200K reading would keep some upward pressure on rates.</p>
<h3>New Home Sales</h3>
<p>Scheduled: 03/23 • Estimate: 645K • Previous: 670K</p>
<p>If both Existing and New Home Sales reveal a decline, we could see some slightly growing downward pressure on mortgage rates.</p>