Data Exceeds Expectations 

The major U.S. economic data released over the past week was stronger than expected. Upside surprises were seen in GDP, durable orders, housing, and inflation. The impact on mortgage rates was small, however, and rates ended the week just a little higher. 

The Core PCE price index is the monthly inflation indicator preferred by the Fed, and the readings for January showed that inflation is rising more quickly than expected. Last week's CPI inflation report contained a similar message. 

The housing data released over the past week was mixed, but the much more significant report was encouraging. January existing home sales, which make up about 90% of all home sales, increased to near the best level in seven years. They were 11% higher than a year ago. New home sales, which make up the rest of the market, declined in January. Low mortgage rates and solid job gains are having a nice effect on home sales. 

Fourth quarter GDP was revised higher from 0.7% to 1.0%, above the consensus for a decline to 0.4%. GDP, the broadest measure of economic activity, recently has been volatile from quarter to quarter. The consensus is that 2016 will start on a better note. First quarter GDP growth is expected to rise to 2.0%, well above the levels seen during the first quarters of 2014 and 2015. 

Looking ahead, the important monthly Employment report will be released on Friday. As usual, this data on the number of jobs, the Unemployment Rate, and wage inflation will be the most highly anticipated economic data of the month. Before that, Pending Home Sales will be released on Monday. The ISM national manufacturing index will come out on Tuesday, and the ISM national services index will come out on Thursday.

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