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  • Job openings rose in April, but layoffs surged the most in 9 months. The job market may be cooling as tariff fears cloud the economic outlook.
  • ADP reported private payroll growth of just 37K in May. It was the lowest monthly gain since March 2023 and much less than expected.
  • Jobless claims rose to 247K last week, the highest since October, adding to signs of a cooling job market and rising layoff risks.  

Housing News

  • Construction spending fell in April, as the single-family market was hit by high rates and a growing glut of unsold homes.
  • Though mortgage rates dipped last week, demand fell. Total mortgage applications dropped 3.9% from the week before.
  • Unsold home inventory is up 33% from a year ago. Homes are taking longer to sell as supply outpaces demand. 

Market Minute Report - Mortgage News


  • Consumer confidence soared in May, driven by easing U.S.-China trade tensions and improved outlooks for jobs, stocks, and the overall economy.
  • GDP fell 0.2% in Q1, hit by weak consumer spending and record trade deficits, despite stronger business investment and inventory growth.
  • Minutes from the most recent Fed meeting showed officials favor patience on policy rate changes due to tariff uncertainty and inflation risks.  

Housing News

  • Home prices rose in March, but the pace could slow with more listings. Sellers have returned to the market more readily than buyers.
  • Pending home sales fell 6.3% in April, much more than expected. Rising mortgage rates and economic uncertainty hurt buyer demand.
  • Purchase applications rose 2% last week and were up 18% from a year ago, driven by increased housing inventory in many markets. 

Market Minute Report - Mortgage News


  • This week's Fed speakers reaffirmed the Board's commitment to a wait-and-see approach to rate changes due to economic uncertainty.
  • New jobless claims were slightly better than expected, while continuing claims rose by 36K. New jobs may be hard to find despite a stable market.
  • In an Achieve survey, 32% of households reported financial gains and 33% declines last year, though 57% had expected growth and 10% worsening.  

Housing News

  • April’s single-family housing starts were 1.6% higher than in March. However, permits for future construction fell 5.1% month over month.
  • Existing home sales dropped 0.5% for the month in April and 2.0% for the year, due to economic uncertainty and high housing costs.
  • Gen Z made about one in four first-time homebuyer mortgage originations in the 1st quarter of 2025, according to the ICE Mortgage Monitor. 

Market Minute Report - Mortgage News


  • Inflation cooled to 2.3% in April, its lowest in 4 years. Falling prices for groceries, cars, and flights offset tariff pressures.
  • Producer prices fell in April by the most in 5 years, as companies absorbed tariff costs instead of passing them on to consumers.
  • Retail sales rose just 0.1% in April after a March surge. Consumers pulled back amid tariff uncertainty and growing economic pessimism.  

Housing News

  • ICE’s 2025 Borrower Insight Survey found Younger Gen Z (42%) and Millennial (27%) owners are more likely to be planning to sell in the next year.
  • Those planning to sell are most likely looking for a change in scenery (42%), upsizing/downsizing (38%), or accessing cash from equity (30%).
  • Mortgage demand rose for the 2nd straight week. Purchase apps rose 2% for the week and 18% year over year. 

Market Minute Report - Mortgage News


  • The Fed held its policy rate steady at its May meeting, warning of growing inflation and unemployment risks amid trade policy uncertainty.
  • Unemployment claims fell last week. After spiking briefly at the end of April, current levels again signal a stable labor market.
  • April's ISM data was mixed. Manufacturing activity contracted for a 2nd straight month, while the services sector grew modestly.  

Housing News

  • Buyers returned to the spring market despite economic jitters. Purchase mortgage apps rose 11% for the week and 13% from a year ago.
  • First-time homebuyers made up 58% of agency purchase lending in the 1st quarter of 2025, according to the ICE Mortgage Monitor.
  • Fannie Mae reports fewer people think it’s a good time to sell, as rising inventory, stalled sales, and economic uncertainty fuel competition fears. 

 

Market Minute Report - Mortgage News


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