Last week’s reports were plentiful, but few had a greater impact on the lending and broader markets. The most significant among them were the Nonfarm Payrolls, Consumer Credit, and Consumer Sentiment reports. 

Currently, considerable movement within the government administration is contributing to widespread uncertainty and instability across various markets. Additionally, the recent outbreak of Avian Flu has driven poultry prices sharply higher, further adding to consumer unease. This uncertainty is reflected in the Consumer Sentiment reports, which have seen their most significant decline since July, as inflation concerns intensify.

Meanwhile, Consumer Credit data came in worse than expected, while job reports exceeded expectations. Given these factors, we should anticipate continued uncertainty in the weeks ahead.

Consumer Credit

Total consumer credit rose $40.8 billion in December, after a $5.4 billion decline in the prior month, the Federal Reserve said Friday. In percentage terms, it is the biggest gain since June 2022. Revolving credit (typically credit-card debt) made up most of the increase, rising at a 20.2% annual rate. That follows a 12.1% drop in the prior month.

Consumer Sentiment

Consumer sentiment drops sharply in February as inflation worries soar. Sentiment gauge falls to 67.8, the lowest reading since July. The University of Michigan’s gauge of consumer sentiment fell to 67.8 in a preliminary February reading, down from 71.1 in the prior month and the lowest reading since July.

Unemployment

Turns out the U.S. labor market really did perk up toward the end of 2024, a fresh government update shows. And that means Federal Reserve rate cuts are likely far off. The number of new jobs created in December was raised to 307,000 from a previous 256,000. And November’s employment increase was lifted to 261,000 from 212,000.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

• 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.07% with the current rate at 6.05%
• 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.06% with the current rate at 6.89%

MND Rate Index

• 30-Yr FHA rates saw a decrease of -0.07% for this week. Current rates at 6.39%
• 30-Yr VA rates saw a decrease of -0.07% for this week. Current rates at 6.41%

Jobless Claims

Initial Claims were reported to be 219,000 compared to the expected claims of 214,000. The prior week landed at 208,000.

What’s Ahead

Next week, the CPI and PPI reports will be released once again. With inflation expectations on the rise, there is even some speculation about a potential rate increase.