• April 3, 2017
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The dollar firmed moderately against leading rivals Monday ahead of U.S. manufacturing data that’s expected to show little change from recent readings, but likely won’t sway the Federal Reserve from plans to raise interest rates again this year. Accordingly, the dollar’s moves were limited so far.

• April 3, 2017
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Construction spending rebounded in February, as builders took advantage of the warm weather to put up more houses. Construction spending rose a seasonally adjusted 0.8% in February, the Commerce Department reported. Though expectations were for a 1% gain, January’s decline was revised upward to now show a 0.5% decline instead of a previously reported 1%

• April 2, 2017
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Although a balance transfer to a 0% card may sound inviting, you need to be aware for the 2%, 3%, or even 4% that is charged upfront for the transfer. The interest rate may be lower that the current location of the debt, but what is the term of the new offer? You effective rate

• April 2, 2017
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The American jobs engine got off to a explosive start in the first two months of 2017 as the economy added nearly half a million new workers, but keeping the pedal to the metal will be hard to sustain. After 238,000 people were hired in January and 235,000 in February, Wall Street looks for a

• April 1, 2017
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The dangerous thing about using credit cards is that if you don’t use them carefully, you can wind up neck-deep in debt — and getting out of that debt will cost you dearly. If you’re paying off a $10,000 balance over two years, and your APR is 18%, then you can expect to pay about

• March 31, 2017
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The rate of inflation in consumer goods and services topped 2% in February for the first time since 2012, a trend that could lead to higher borrowing costs for households and businesses unless it abates soon.

• March 31, 2017
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Consumer spending showed a scant 0.1% increase last month. Economists had forecast a 0.2% gain in spending. Americans spent more on services such as travel but less on new cars and utilities during the second warmest February in 123 years. The slowdown in spending for the second straight month took place despite another healthy 0.4%

• March 31, 2017
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An inflation index known as PCE rose 0.1% in February, bringing the increase over the past 12 months to 2.1%. It’s the first time the yearly rate of inflation topped 2% since March 2012. The PCE index is the preferred tool for the Federal Reserve to measure inflation. The rate of inflation is now above

• March 31, 2017
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March UofM Consumer Sentiment Index 96.9 vs. estimates of 97.6. A slight miss, but still at elevated levels..not a major factor in pricing for interest rates today.

• March 31, 2017
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March Chicago PMI 57.7 vs. estimates of 56.5. This is a red-hot reading and generally negative for pricing, but today we re moving better for interest rates leading into the weekend.