Four Factual Economic Reports

This week brings us four factual economic reports for the markets to digest. They are all scheduled for release Thursday and Friday, so the first part of the week will be left mostly up to the stock markets. In addition to the factual reports, we will also get the minutes from the last FOMC meeting that can also cause movement in rates. Three of the four reports and the minutes are considered to be moderately or highly important to the bond market and mortgage rates. Therefore, we should expect to see another week of movement in rates.
The bond market will be closed today in observance of the Columbus Day holiday. The first report of the week comes Tuesday afternoon when the Fed will release the minutes to the last FOMC meeting. These may be a major mover of the markets or could be a non-factor, depending on what they say. The key will be concerns over inflation and the Fed's next move. If the Fed members were concerned about inflationary pressures, we may see the bond market move lower and mortgage rates higher Tuesday afternoon. However, if they indicate a likelihood of another rates cut in the coming months, we should see the bond market rise and mortgage rates drop during afternoon trading.