08/07/2026
Your weekly look at where the market and mortgage rates stand: a lot is happening this week worth knowing.
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Your weekly economic update is here. Here is what you need to know:
• Mortgage rates increased for the fifth consecutive week, rising another three basis points. While affordability remains a challenge, the housing market is showing signs of adjustment, with slightly lower listing prices compared with last year and more homes available for sale.
• Mortgage applications declined 2.9% for the week ending July 31 as higher rates continued to weigh on both purchase and refinance activity. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 6.81%, its highest level in more than a year, keeping many buyers and homeowners cautious.
• Consumer sentiment improved significantly in July, jumping nearly 12% from June. Confidence strengthened across income levels, age groups, education levels, and other demographics, reflecting a more positive outlook on both current economic conditions and the months ahead.
• The labor market remains relatively stable, with unemployment claims increasing only slightly while layoffs fell to a two-year low in July. This continued stability gives the Federal Reserve additional room to focus on inflation pressures and broader economic conditions.
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