Recent Economic Factors

Economic Factors
Economic Indicator	Release Date Time	Consensus Estimate	Analysis
New Home Sales	Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011	Up 1.9%	Important. An indication of economic strength and credit demand. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
2-year Treasury Note Auction	Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011	None	Important. Notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Durable Goods Orders	Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011	Down 0.8%	Important. An indication of the demand for “big ticket” items. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
5-year Treasury Note Auction	Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011	None	Important. Notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Weekly Jobless Claims	Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011	415k	Important. An indication of employment. Higher claims may result in lower rates.
7-year Treasury Note Auction	Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011	None	Important. Notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Q2 GDP Second Estimate	Friday, Aug. 26, 2011	Up 1.2%	Very important. The aggregate measure of US economic production. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
U of Michigan Consumer Sentiment	Friday, Aug. 26, 2011	54.9	Important. An indication of consumers’ willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.