Over the past week, the total number of applications for mortgage lending in the United States decreased by 3.4%, but compared with the same period a year earlier, the figure jumped by 31.6%, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported. At the same time, the number of applications for refinancing decreased by the end of the week by 4%, and over the year their volume increased by 79.5%. The annual rate was the highest since January last year. According to experts, a slight increase in mortgage rates on loans has led to a weakening of the overall refinancing activity. The average contract rate for thirty-year mortgage loans with a fixed rate was 4.14%. A week earlier, it was at the level of 4.12%. The number of applications filed by Americans for the purchase of housing decreased by 4% over the week, but over the year it grew by 4%. The low unemployment rate and the growing demand from Americans who first acquire housing strengthen the activity of buyers.
Gold prices rose earlier on Monday in Asia, remaining above the $1,800 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen around the world. Gold futures slipped by 0.29%, trading at $1,807.15 per ounce by 12:47 AM ET (05:47 AM GMT). Investors flocked ...
On Monday, world shares edged towards a five-month high and the U.S. dollar decreased in late trading as investors anticipated that the earnings season would see most companies beat revenue forecasts in light of the lifted coronavirus restrictions. The ...
The dollar fell to a one-week low on Thursday as positive data on U.S. and European recovery lifted risk appetite, adding to the support provided by the latest breakthrough in the COVID-19 vaccine. The dollar index dropped 0.4%. However, it ...
On Monday, Japanese car manufacturers reported a 38% decline in their global sales last month. Most car factories and dealerships remained closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Japan’s biggest car manufacturer Toyota Motor Corp. (7203.T) ...
The Federal Reserve’s balance sheet shrank for the second time in two weeks as central banks reduced their use of currency swaps while US banks continued to cut their use of Fed repurchase agreements. From $7.14 trillion a week earlier, ...