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In This Issue...

Last Week in Review: Consumers are feeling good, but how good was last week's news?

Forecast for the Week: It's a holiday shortened week, but the economic calendar is full. News on manufacturing, inflation, and housing is ahead.

View: Wondering what the housing trends for 2012 will be? Check out 11 trends we saw in 2011. 

Last Week In Review...

There was good news last Friday, as the first look at Consumer Sentiment for January came in at 74.0, which is the highest level since May 2011. However, there was also news last week that the holiday shopping season may not have been as robust as previously thought.

Retail Sales in December rose by a meager 0.1% from 0.4% in November, and when stripping out autos, sales actually fell 0.2%. Why did this happen? It seems that steep holiday discounting held down the value of goods sold, so sales were big, but only because of the heavy discounting.

The news out of Europe last week also wasn't too happy. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde met to discuss and finalize the debt restructuring deal for Greece. Back in October, a deal called for Bondholders to "accept" a 50% haircut on the face value of the Greek debt - but as creditors and authorities have started to forge a final deal, the actual haircut back to investors is looking quite likely to be larger than 50%. This is simply because worsening financial conditions in the Greek economy make paying the debt back with "just" a 50% haircut highly unlikely...maybe impossible. What's more, the next reasonable question to consider is will Ireland, Portugal and even Italy ask for a similar haircut or deal on what may be unsustainable debt in their countries?

The happy news is that these problems are finally being addressed to make things better in the future. And in the short term, the uncertainty should keep money flowing into the relative safe haven of the US Dollar and US Bonds - including Mortgage Bonds, to which home loan rates are tied. In addition, Mortgage Bonds continue to be supported by the Fed's purchases, which are also helping to keep home loan rates at record low levels.

All of this means that now continues to remain a great time to purchase or refinance a home. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

In This Issue...

Despite what the Mayan calendar may say, the world probably won't come to an end in 2012. But like 2011, this coming year may bring some significant challenges here in the US...and around the world. Here are just a few important topics to keep an eye on in the new year:

• Working for a Living – The labor market made modest improvements in 2011…but what should you expect in 2012? Here’s the answer!
• Home Sweet Home – The housing market is still uncertain, but here’s something to celebrate!
• What to Watch – Inflation is extremely influential. Read the article below to discover what to watch in 2012.
• Q&A: The Bottom Line? – What’s the bottom line for 2012? The answer may surprise you!

Best wishes to you and yours in the coming year. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique situation, call or email today. And please forward this newsletter to friends, family members and coworkers who may find the information helpful.

In This Issue...

“Not what they seem?” - Things aren't always what they seem. Sometimes they're a pleasant surprise, and other times they have unintended consequences that we didn't consider. The articles below focus on just some of those situations, from good economic news…to foods that are misunderstood:

• Good News Travels Fast – But it also moves money in a way that impacts home loan rates…find out how!
• Foods That Fool You – The truth about these foods may surprise you.
• Q&A: Inflation? – Find out what's really going on with inflation and what it means.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique situation, call or email today. And please forward this newsletter to friends, family members and coworkers who may find the information helpful.

In This Issue...

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” - Albert Camus.Summer has come to an end, but that doesn’t mean that the economic news is cooling down. This month’s issue goes beyond the headlines of three hot and timely topics:

• Feelin’ Hot…Hot…Hot – Inflation is in the news…but what does it mean? Here’s what you need to know!
• Trick or Treat – Read these tips to make sure you have a safe and happy Halloween.
• Q&A: Retirement? – Find out what you need to know about your retirement and Social Security.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique situation, call or email today. And please forward this newsletter to friends, family members and coworkers who may find the information helpful.

In This Issue

"EVERY DAY BRINGS NEW CHOICES." - Best-selling author and life coach Martha Beck. This month's issue focuses on choices - and the impact of those choices - from the government's choice in dealing with the Debt Ceiling crisis to college students' choices and even your own choice of a mortgage and how it integrates with your overall financial plan. Find out what you need to know about these choices - and why they're so important!

• We Have "AAA " Deal – Now that the Debt Ceiling deal is behind us, what's the bottom line for home loan rates? Here's what you need to know.
• 3 Topics – If you or someone you know has a child going off to college in the next few weeks, here are 3 topics you need to discuss now!
• Q&A: Integrating a mortgage? – Before you get excited about a low home loan rate, ask yourself the following questions about your financial plan.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique situation, call or email today. And please forward this newsletter to friends, family members and coworkers who may find the information helpful.