May New Home Sales Post Healthy 16.6% Gain

Home buyer enthusiasm for new homes intensified in May, HUD and the Census Bureau reported yesterday, jumping by 16.6 percent from April and by nearly 13 percent from a year ago.

Unemployment Claims Plateau, Remain Elevated

More than 1.5 million Americans filed initial claims for unemployment insurance last week virtually unchanged from the previous week and at historically elevated levels for the 12th consecutive week, the Labor Department reported yesterday.

May Housing Starts Post Modest Increase

HUD and the Census Bureau yesterday reported May housing starts improved by 4.3 percent, stopping a two-month freefall in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Americans File 1.54 Million More Initial Claims

More than 1.5 million Americans filed new claims for unemployment insurance during the first week of June, the Labor Department reported Thursday—the lowest level since the start of the coronavirus pandemic but still well above historic norms.

Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Remains Near Survey Low

The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index increased by 4.5 points in May to 67.5, building slightly after nearing its record low in April. The survey indicated home buyers are much more confident in the current market than sellers.

Labor Dept. Reports 2.4 Million New Jobless Claims; Total Now 38.6 Million

Another 2.4 million Americans filed initial jobless claims last week, the Labor Department reported yesterday, bringing to 38.6 million workers who have applied for unemployment assistance since the coronavirus pandemic clobbered the U.S. economy nine weeks ago.

Initial Claims Tapering, But Remain High

Nearly three million Americans applied for initial unemployment claims last week—the lowest level in eight weeks but still highly elevated in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.