Market Update for the week of 02/16-02/20

Описание: Mortgage rates are showing positive momentum as we wrap up February 2026 and head deeper into the spring housing market. Despite a hotter-than-expected PCE inflation report and a strong Jobs Report, bonds rallied and mortgage rates started the week slightly lower — an encouraging sign for homebuyers and real estate professionals.

In this weekly mortgage market update, we break down:

• December PCE inflation (2.9% headline, 3.0% core)
• Federal Reserve policy outlook and rate cut expectations
• Housing Starts & Building Permits data
• Builder sentiment (NAHB Index)
• Q4 2025 GDP slowdown (1.4%)
• Initial & continuing jobless claims trends
• Supreme Court tariff decision and market volatility
• What to watch this week: Case-Shiller, FHFA home prices, Jobless Claims, and PPI

With inflation still above the Fed’s 2% target, a cooling labor market, and limited housing supply, the big question is: Will mortgage rates continue to improve as we enter peak homebuying season?

If you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or real estate agent in Arizona (Phoenix, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and surrounding areas), this update will help you understand where rates may be heading and how it could impact your strategy.

Subscribe for weekly mortgage rate updates, housing market analysis, and real estate insights.

Nick Acosta
Forward Loans
Arizona Mortgage Loan Officer

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