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Economic Events Calendar
(events that influence the bond market, which then influences mortgage rates)
*** Strong economic reports usually mean higher mortgage interest rates

Next Federal Reserve Meeting: March 31, 1998

For more information on the Federal Reserve, please refer to Interesting Articles

Employment Report:
Provides information on unemployment rate, non-farm payroll, average work week, and overtime. All variances portray the economy's strength.

Consumer Price Index:
The key index for gauging inflation. The CPI compares relative price changes over time.

Producer Price Index:
Shows changes in prices charged by producers of finished goods. Used as an inflationary gauge.

Leading Indicators:
Components of the index include: average weekly hours of production, unemployment insurance claims, manufacturers new orders, consumer goods, order for plants and equipment, housing permits, durable goods, material prices, stock prices, money supply, and consumer expectations.

Gross Domestic Product:
The broadest available measure of economic activity. It provides the official scale with which fluctuations in the economy are measured. Reflects overall pace of real growth during quarters of each year.

Retail Sales:
Reflects consumer spending, including automobiles and department store sales.

Housing Starts:
Always direct your attention to the seasonally adjusted monthly figure presented at an annual rate.

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Send e-mail to John Shea at: loan@mindspring.com
Last Modified: February 15, 1998