Mortgage rates saw little change last week amidst mixed economic news. Treasury auctions held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday saw weak demand; this could have been caused by the FOMC minutes that were released on Wednesday.
Last week's economic news includes several factors that drove U.S. mortgage rates lower.
Mortgage rates fell last week as investor concerns over the European economy grew. Fears of growing differences between wealthier European nations and European nations needing economic aid brought higher bond prices and lower mortgage rates.
Last week's positive employment reports were good news for the economy, which typically causes mortgage rates to rise, but mortgage rates ended the week lower.
Mortgage rates and stock markets rose last week in response to a strong jobs report and lower national unemployment rate. The Dow Jones Index reached record levels last week.
Mortgage rates were lower last week as investors sought safety in bonds in the wake of US legislators' failure to agree on budget cutbacks, and after Italyâs elections failed to reveal a leader committed to continuing economic reform.
A quiet week in economic news caused mortgage rates to worsen slightly.
Mortgage rates worsened for the week ending February 8, 2013 in response to strong economic data in the US and abroad.
Mortgage rates worsened last week amid evidence of an improving economy.
Mortgage rates rose last week as investors gained confidence in the global economy
Mortgage rates rose last week nationwide during a week of sparse economic news.
Mortgage rates rose during the first week of 2013.