Central Banks See Continued Support

Mortgage rates improved again this week and are now near their best levels of the year. Again the improvement resulted from statements by central bankers. The economic data had little effect.

Statements by the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Central Bank (ECB), and the U.S. Fed shared the same sentiment, the global economy needs support. IMF Managing Director Lagarde described economic growth in Europe as "too slow, too fragile". ECB President Draghi said the ECB will do what ever it takes to stimulate growth and raise inflation. Inflation in the eurozone is now -0.1%. The target is 2.0%. The minutes from the U.S. Fed meeting on March 16^th supported recent comments that the Fed will take a gradual approach to raising the federal funds rate. These dovish comments were well received by the bond markets, including U.S. mortgage-backed securities.

The economic data released this week shows that the U.S. economy is on far better footing than the overall global economy. The JOLTS report, which measures job openings and labor turnover rates, showed that job openings rose and voluntary quits increased. Both are signs of an improving labor market.

Looking ahead, the Retail Sales report will be released on Wednesday. Consumer spending accounts for about 70% of economic output in the U.S., and the retail sales data is a key indicator. The consumer price index (CPI) will come out on Thursday. CPI is a widely followed monthly inflation report that looks at the price change for goods and services which are sold to consumers. Industrial production, another important indicator of economic activity, will be released on Friday.