Surging demand stemming from the coronavirus pandemic led sales of consumer packaged goods — like toilet paper and canned soup — to climb 9.4% to $1.53 trillion last year. |
The European Central Bank announced this week it will continue to buy bonds to support the eurozone economy, indirectly supporting U.S. bonds and helping keep rates low. |
Jobless claims last week hit a pandemic low, falling to 547,000. Continuing claims also fell, showing the job market continues to rebound. |
Existing home sales suffered a 2nd straight monthly decline, as tight supply pushed prices higher. The median price of existing homes sold was $329,100, a 17% annual increase. |
Mortgage purchase applications were up 6% for the week and 57% over a year ago. Refi applications jumped 10% for the week but were still 23% lower than a year ago. |
Congress allocated more than $45 billion in rental assistance, but states are struggling to get the money to renters, many of whom are still facing the threat of eviction. |