Economy in Brief: February 2021

• Sales remain mixed across regions. Pending home sales fell 2.8% (+13% y/y) in January, following an upwardly revised increase of 0.5% (+20.8% y/y) in December. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) the weakness in [...]

• Orders increase a much larger-than-expected 3.4% m/m, led by a 148% m/m surge in aircraft orders. • Orders ex transportation up a solid 1.4% m/m. • Core capital shipments rise 2.1% m/m, offering a great start to Q1. Manufacturers' [...]

• First-time claims are at lowest level since late-November. • Continuing claims continue their downward trend. • Insured jobless rate eases. Initial jobless insurance claims declined 111,000 in the week ended February 20 to 730,000 [...]

• Sales decline across the country. • Median house prices ease. Harsh winter weather throughout the country kept many potential home buyers indoors last month. Sales of new single-family homes declined 18.2% (+8.2% y/y) during [...]

• Sales post widespread gains in most of country. • Median house prices decline. Sales of new single-family homes rose 4.3% (19.3% y/y) to 923,000 (SAAR) during January following a 5.5% December rise to 885,000, revised from 842,000. [...]

French industry climate improved in February by a modest 1.4 points. It remains 3.5 points below its February 2020 (Pre-Covid19) level. After improving for two months in a row, the services index fell in February and now stands below [...]

• Sales post widespread gains in most of country. • Median house prices decline. Sales of new single-family homes rose 4.3% (19.3% y/y) to 923,000 (SAAR) during January following a 5.5% December rise to 885,000, revised from 842,000. [...]

• Purchase and refinancing loan applications fall. • Mortgage interest rates rise further. The Mortgage Bankers Association Mortgage Loan Applications Index declined 11.4% (+33.0% y/y) in the week ended February 19. It has declined in [...]