Forecast for the Week

Housing and manufacturing reports are front and center this week. Plus, the Fed meets.

• Manufacturing data from the Empire State Index will be released on Monday, followed by the Philadelphia Fed Index on Thursday.
• In housing news, Monday brings the NAHB Housing Market Index for March. On Tuesday, look for February’s Housing Starts and Building Permits.
• As usual, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims will be delivered on Thursday.

In addition, the two-day Federal Open Market Committee meeting will begin on Tuesday and end on Wednesday with the 2:00 p.m. EDT release of the monetary policy statement. Investors will be listening closely for any rhetoric regarding future rate hikes, and this news always has the potential to be a market mover.

Remember: Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates improve, while strong economic news normally has the opposite result. The chart below shows Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS), which are the type of Bond on which home loan rates are based.

When you see these Bond prices moving higher, it means home loan rates are improving—and when they are moving lower, home loan rates are getting worse.

To go one step further—a red “candle” means that MBS worsened during the day, while a green “candle” means MBS improved during the day. Depending on how dramatic the changes were on any given day, this can cause rate changes throughout the day, as well as on the rate sheets we start with each morning.

As you can see in the chart below, Mortgage Bonds rebounded in recent days due to weaker than expected economic data and weak wholesale inflation. Home loan rates remain near historic lows.

Chart: Fannie Mae 3.0% Mortgage Bond (Friday March 13, 2015)

The Mortgage Market Guide View…

6 Ways to Boost Your Success

The second quarter of 2015 is fast approaching, making now a great time for a success check-in. Here are six suggestions to help you achieve your goals this year.

1. Limit time with toxic people. Negativity and dissension will suffocate your drive, perhaps more than anything else. Do whatever possible to avoid spending time with people who aren’t on the same trajectory as you.
2. Keep learning. If you never learn anything new about your field, it will be nearly impossible to have big breakthroughs in work or in life. Take time out for a class, a book, a seminar or events that will help you keep growing.
3. Write down your vision. A clear statement about where you are and where you want to be later this year can help you stay on track.
4. Stop wasting time. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to any activities that will hinder your productivity.
5. Communicate more effectively. Don’t use email when a phone call would be more effective. This will speed up your day and free up time you can spend on profit-making activity or even relaxation.
6. Say thank you more. Gratitude can have a big impact on your motivation, and ultimately on your success. Keep track of things you are thankful for in life and never let a good deed go unrecognized.

As always, feel free to pass these helpful tips along to your team, clients and colleagues!

Source: Inc.com

Economic Calendar for the Week of March 16 – March 20

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