THREE KEY REAL ESTATE INDICATORS IMPRESS
All of a sudden, the housing market looks much healthier. The Census Bureau reported a 6.8% jump in new home buying in April, and the National Association of Realtors said its pending home sales index improved 3.4% in that month to 108.7 (its best reading since May 2006). The numbers that matter most were also impressive: year-over-year, new home sales were up 26.1% and pending home sales 14.0% (even as existing home inventory declined). Additionally, the March 20-city S&P/Case-Shiller home price index showed a 5.0% annualized gain (the broader national home price index rose 4.1% in 12 months).
HARD GOODS REPORT PRESENTS MIXED MESSAGE
Total durable goods orders fell 0.5% in April, yet the Commerce Department found core durable goods orders (excepting transportation orders) up 0.5% for that month. Shipments of core durables rose 0.8% in April after a 1.0% gain for March.
CONSUMER SENTIMENT HOLDS UP
That was evident in the two major surveys of households. The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose 1.1 points for May to 95.4; the University of Michigan’s final May index reached 90.7 after its previous 88.6 reading.
Q1 GDP: WORSE THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT
In its second estimate, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said the economy contracted 0.7% in the first quarter, which precisely matched the consensus forecast at Briefing.com.
MAY ENDS WITH A DOWN WEEK
From Tuesday’s opening bell to Friday’s close, the Dow lost 1.50%, the Nasdaq 0.41% and the S&P 500 0.88%. The Friday settlements for the big three: Dow, 18,010.68; Nasdaq, 5,070.03; S&P, 2,107.39.
THIS WEEK: April’s personal spending report, the May ISM manufacturing PMI and China and euro area factory PMIs arrive Monday. Investors review May auto sales and factory orders Tuesday along with earnings from Cracker Barrel, Guess? and Dollar General. Wednesday brings the May ADP employment report, a new Beige Book from the Federal Reserve and ISM’s May non-manufacturing PMI. On Thursday, Wall Street looks at May’s Challenger job-cut report, new initial claims figures and earnings from VeriFone and J.M. Smucker. The Labor Department issues its May jobs report Friday.
About the Independent Financial Advisor
Robert Pagliarini, PhD, CFP® has helped clients across the United States manage, grow, and preserve their wealth for nearly three decades. His goal is to provide comprehensive financial, investment, and tax advice in a way that is honest and ethical. In addition, he is a CFP® Board Ambassador, one of only 50 in the country, and a fiduciary. In his spare time, he writes personal finance books. With decades of experience as a financial advisor, the media often calls on him for his expertise. Contact Robert today to learn more about his financial planning services.
