Morning Report: Initial jobless claims lowest since the 1960s.

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Brent Nyitray

Vital Statistics:

 

Last Change
S&P futures 2878 -0.75
Eurostoxx index 387.8 -1
Oil (WTI) 62.72 0.26
10 year government bond yield 2.50%
30 year fixed rate mortgage 4.20%

 

Stocks are flattish this morning on no real news. Bonds and MBS are up small.

 

Mortgage Applications increased 18.6% last week as rates fell. The purchase index rose 3% while the refi index rose 39%. The refi share increased to 47% of total applications.  “There was a tremendous surge in overall applications activity, as mortgage rates fell for the fourth week in a row – with rates for some loan types reaching their lowest levels since January 2018. Refinance borrowers with larger loan balances continue to benefit, as we saw another sizeable increase in the average refinance loan size to $438,900 – a new survey record,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry Forecasting. “We had expected factors such as the ongoing strong job market and favorable demographics to help lift purchase activity this year, and the further decline in rates is providing another tailwind. Purchase applications were almost 10 percent higher than a year ago.” Separately, Black Knight said that last week’s drop in rates increased the refinanceable mortgage pool by 50%.

 

The ISM non-manufacturing index slipped in March, although it is still quite strong. One of the comments from the report mentioned residential construction: “While we have a slowed down in residential service and install [area], we are still experiencing strength in the new commercial construction area.” (Construction) Another: “April is when our real busy season begins and it has arrived early this year, demand is quite strong.” (Real Estate, Rental & Leasing). Others mentioned that the labor market remains tight“Labor is tight and in short supply.” (Accommodation & Food Services)

 

Initial Jobless Claims fell to 202,000 last week, so despite the weak ADP print, the labor market still looks strong. For those keeping score at home, this was the lowest print in 50 years. To put that in perspective, the last time we had that few initial jobless claims, the population was 33% lower and we had a military draft.

 

Home prices are falling in the markets that led the way off the bottom. MSAs like the Bay Area, Nashville, Austin, and Florida are experiencing declines as listings surge. On the other hand, the lagging markets are finally having their day. Unloved markets like Milwaukee WI and Rochester N

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