1.U.S. retail sales, manufacturing data point at firming economy
“A gauge of U.S. consumer spending rose solidly in June, in the latest indication that the economy ended the second quarter on a stronger footing. ”
2.US Retail Sales Tick up 0.2 Percent in June
“U.S. retail sales increased slightly in June, evidence that consumers remain cautious despite steady job gains this year.”
3.Why mortgage rates haven’t risen as expected
“By most estimates, mortgage rates were expected to climb this year, with rates on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage predicted to exceed 5%. Instead, rates are now lower than they were this time in 2013 — much to the advantage of mortgage shoppers. ”
4.Economy still needs help, Federal Reserve chair says
“Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said Tuesday that the economic recovery is not yet complete and for that reason the Fed intends to keep providing significant support to boost growth and improve labor market conditions.”
5.Southern California home prices match 6½-year high
“Southern California home prices climbed to their highest levels in nearly 6½ years in June even as increases cooled and sales remained sluggish, a research firm said Tuesday.”
6.Bay Area apartment rents continue relentless rise
“Bay Area apartment rents continued their relentless rise in the second quarter, setting a record on gains of more than 10 percent from the same period last year, reaching an average of $2,158 a month, according to a report released Tuesday.”
7.Southern California home prices hit 77-month high, but sales fall again
“Southern California’s housing prices hit their highest level in 77 months during June but sales remained in a funk, falling 4 percent from a year earlier, a market tracker said Tuesday.”
8.Southland Home Sales Down from Last Year Again; Price Gains Throttle Back
“Southern California homes sold at the slowest pace for a June in three years as investor purchases fell again and other would-be buyers continued to struggle with inventory and affordability constraints. The median price paid for a home rose to its highest level in 77 months but the single-digit gain from a year earlier was the smallest in two years, a real estate information service reported. ”