Homeowners’ real estate holdings minus the change in mortgage debt rose by $320.1 billion (a positive number means that the value of real estate is growing at a faster pace than household mortgage debt).  That and other statistical findings were revealed in the latest Flow of Funds report published by the Federal Reserve.

Their report revealed that with $122.7 trillion in assets and a modest $15.7 trillion in liabilities, the net worth of US households rose to an all time high $106.9 trillion, increasing for 11 consecutive quarters and up $2.2 trillion as a result of an estimated $559 billion increase in real estate values, as well as a $1.7 trillion increase in various financial assets like corporate equities, mutual and pension funds, and deposits as the stock market soared to just shy of new all time highs.

In a separate report, the recent Existing Home Sales report published by the National Association of Realtors showed that August Existing Home Sales were right inline with estimates, hitting 5.34M vs estimates of 5.35M. July remained at 5.34M. Available inventory remained at 4.3 months of supply and the median sales price rose for the 78th straight month and is now $264,800.

The data from the Federal Reserve and the National Association of Realtors both show that owning a home is a great investment.

Source: Federal Reserve

What Happened to Rates Last Week?

Mortgage backed securities (FNMA 4.50 MBS) lost -17 basis points (BPS) from last Friday's close which caused fixed mortgage rates to move higher for the week.  It was the fourth straight week of higher rates.

Overview:  We had a very light week for economic data, with the nothing on the calendar that could impact rates.  It was the "Trade War" that got all of the market attention.  MBS sold off (rates moved higher) on the prospect of higher consumer prices as a result of the latest rounds of tariffs announced by both the United States and China.  

Trade War: The White House finally unleashed their new $200B in tariffs that they have been dangling for well over a month. However, it was not as bad as the headlines would suggest. Here are some key points:
- Goes into effect today
- Will only be at a 10% rate and then in 2019, goes up to 25%
- 300 products were exempted/stripped out of the tariff package 

China's Response: $60B in tariffs that will go into effect on 09/24. It will impact 5207 U.S. Products and will be a measly range of 5% to 10%.

Taking it to the House: August Existing Home Sales were right inline with estimates, hitting 5.34M vs estimates of 5.35M. July remained at 5.34M. Available inventory remained at 4.3 months of supply and the median sales price rose for the 78th straight month and is now $264,800.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: Initial Weekly Jobless Claims were lower than expected (201K vs est of 210K). The more closely watched 4 week moving average dropped to 205,750 which is a fresh new 50 year low!

What to Watch Out For This Week: