by Calculated Risk on 8/01/2024 03:01:00 PM

On Friday at 8:30 AM ET, the BLS will release the employment report for July. The consensus is for 175,000 jobs added, and for the unemployment rate to be unchanged at 4.1%.

There were 206,000 jobs added in June, and the unemployment rate was at 4.1%.

From Goldman Sachs:

We estimate nonfarm payrolls rose by 165k in July, below consensus of +175k ... While an influx of labor supply at the start of summer typically leads to an acceleration in seasonally-adjusted job growth when the labor market is tight, alternative measures of job growth indicate a pace of job creation below the recent payrolls trend, and we assume a 15k drag from Hurricane Beryl. ... We estimate that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1%—in line with consensus.
emphasis added

From BofA:

Like the broader economy, the labor market is cooling but not cool. Nonfarm payrolls likely rose by a solid 225k in July after coming in at 206k in June. We look for the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate to remain unchanged at 4.1% and 62.6%, respectively.

• ADP Report: The ADP employment report showed 122,000 private sector jobs were added in July.  This was below consensus forecasts and suggests job gains below consensus expectations, however, in general, ADP hasn't been very useful in forecasting the BLS report.

• ISM Surveys: Note that the ISM indexes are diffusion indexes based on the number of firms hiring (not the number of hires).  The ISM® manufacturing employment index was at 43.4%, down from 49.3% the previous month. This would suggest about 50,000 jobs lost in manufacturing. The ADP report indicated 4,000 manufacturing jobs lost in July.

The ISM® services employment index has not been released yet.

• Unemployment Claims: The weekly claims report showed more initial unemployment claims during the reference week at 245,000 in July compared to 239,000 in June.  This suggests more layoffs in July compared to June.

• Conclusion: My guess is employment gains will be below consensus expectations.

by Calculated Risk on 8/01/2024 11:35:00 AM

Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: Inflation Adjusted House Prices 1.9% Below 2022 Peak

Excerpt:

It has been 18 years since the bubble peak. In the May Case-Shiller house price index released on Tuesday, the seasonally adjusted National Index (SA), was reported as being 73% above the bubble peak in 2006. However, in real terms, the National index (SA) is about 11% above the bubble peak (and historically there has been an upward slope to real house prices).  The composite 20, in real terms, is 2% above the bubble peak.

People usually graph nominal house prices, but it is also important to look at prices in real terms.  As an example, if a house price was $300,000 in January 2010, the price would be $432,000 today adjusted for inflation (44% increase).  That is why the second graph below is important - this shows "real" prices.

The third graph shows the price-to-rent ratio, and the fourth graph is the affordability index. The last graph shows the 5-year real return based on the Case-Shiller National Index.
...
The second graph shows the same two indexes in real terms (adjusted for inflation using CPI).

In real terms (using CPI), the National index is 1.9% below the recent peak, and the Composite 20 index is 2.5% below the recent peak in 2022. Both indexes increased slightly in May in real terms.

by Calculated Risk on 8/01/2024 10:30:00 AM

From the Census Bureau reported that overall construction spending decreased:

Construction spending during June 2024 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,148.4 billion, 0.3 percent below the revised May estimate of $2,154.8 billion. The June figure is 6.2 percent above the June 2023 estimate of $2,023.0 billion.
emphasis added

Both private and public spending decreased:

pending on private construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1,664.6 billion, 0.3 percent below the revised May estimate of $1,668.8 billion. ...

In June, the estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate of public construction spending was $483.9 billion, 0.4 percent below the revised May estimate of $486.0 billion.

Click on graph for larger image.

This graph shows private residential and nonresidential construction spending, and public spending, since 1993. Note: nominal dollars, not inflation adjusted.

Residential (red) spending is 5.4% below the recent peak in 2022.

Non-residential (blue) spending is 0.4% below the peak in January 2024.

Public construction spending is 0.6% below the peak in April 2024.

The second graph shows the year-over-year change in construction spending.

On a year-over-year basis, private residential construction spending is up 7.3%. Non-residential spending is up 4.2% year-over-year. Public spending is up 7.3% year-over-year.

This was below consensus expectations for 0.2% increase in spending, however, total construction spending for the previous two months was revised up. 

This is probably just the start of weakness for private non-residential construction.

by Calculated Risk on 8/01/2024 10:00:00 AM

(Posted with permission). The ISM manufacturing index indicated expansion. The PMI® was at 46.8% in July, down from 48.5% in June. The employment index was at 43.4%, down from 49.3% the previous month, and the new orders index was at 47.1%, down from 49.3%.

From ISM: Manufacturing PMI® at 46.8% July 2024 Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in July for the fourth consecutive month and the 20th time in the last 21 months, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®.

The report was issued today by Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee:

“The Manufacturing PMI® registered 46.8 percent in July, down 1.7 percentage points from the 48.5 percent recorded in June. The overall economy continued in expansion for the 51st month after one month of contraction in April 2020. (A Manufacturing PMI® above 42.5 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy.) The New Orders Index remained in contraction territory, registering 47.4 percent, 1.9 percentage points lower than the 49.3 percent recorded in June. The July reading of the Production Index (45.9 percent) is 2.6 percentage points lower than June’s figure of 48.5 percent. The Prices Index registered 52.9 percent, up 0.8 percentage point compared to the reading of 52.1 percent in June. The Backlog of Orders Index registered 41.7 percent, equaling its June reading. The Employment Index registered 43.4 percent, down 5.9 percentage points from June’s figure of 49.3 percent.
emphasis added

This suggests manufacturing contracted in July.  This was below the consensus forecast.

by Calculated Risk on 8/01/2024 08:30:00 AM

The DOL reported:

In the week ending July 27, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 249,000, an increase of 14,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 235,000. The 4-week moving average was 238,000, an increase of 2,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 235,500.
emphasis added

The following graph shows the 4-week moving average of weekly claims since 1971.

Click on graph for larger image.

The dashed line on the graph is the current 4-week average. The four-week average of weekly unemployment claims increased to 238,000.

The previous week was unrevised.

Weekly claims were higher than the consensus forecast.

by Calculated Risk on 7/31/2024 07:16:00 PM

Note: Mortgage rates are from MortgageNewsDaily.com and are for top tier scenarios.

Thursday:
• At 8:30 AM ET, The initial weekly unemployment claims report will be released.  The consensus is for 230 thousand initial claims, down from 235 thousand last week.

• At 10:00 AM, ISM Manufacturing Index for July. The consensus is for the ISM to be at 49.0, up from 48.5 in June. 

• At 10:00 AM, Construction Spending for June. The consensus is for a 0.2% increase in construction spending.

• Late, Light vehicle sales for July from the BEA. The consensus is for light vehicle sales to be 16.2 million SAAR in July, up from 15.3 million in June (Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate).

by Calculated Risk on 7/31/2024 02:00:00 PM

Fed Chair Powell press conference video here or on YouTube here, starting at 2:30 PM ET.

FOMC Statement:

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have moderated, and the unemployment rate has moved up but remains low. Inflation has eased over the past year but remains somewhat elevated. In recent months, there has been some further progress toward the Committee's 2 percent inflation objective.

The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals continue to move into better balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate.

In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 5-1/4 to 5-1/2 percent;. In considering any adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee does not expect it will be appropriate to reduce the target range until it has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent. In addition, the Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage‑backed securities. The Committee is strongly committed to returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.

In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee's goals. The Committee's assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments.

Voting for the monetary policy action were Jerome H. Powell, Chair; John C. Williams, Vice Chair; Thomas I. Barkin; Michael S. Barr; Raphael W. Bostic; Michelle W. Bowman; Lisa D. Cook; Mary C. Daly; Austan D. Goolsbee; Philip N. Jefferson; Adriana D. Kugler; and Christopher J. Waller. Austan D. Goolsbee voted as an alternate member at this meeting.
emphasis added

by Calculated Risk on 7/31/2024 10:51:00 AM

Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: Freddie Mac House Price Index Increased Slightly in June; Up 5.1% Year-over-year

A brief excerpt:

Freddie Mac reported that its “National” Home Price Index (FMHPI) increased 0.06% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis in June. On a year-over-year basis, the National FMHPI was up 5.1% in June, down from up 5.7% YoY in May.  The YoY increase peaked at 19.1% in July 2021, and for this cycle, bottomed at up 0.9% YoY in May 2023. ...

As of June, 19 states and D.C. were below their previous peaks, Seasonally Adjusted. The largest seasonally adjusted declines from the recent peak were in Idaho (-4.2%), Montana (-2.5%), Arkansas (-2.0), Texas (-1.7%), Hawaii (-1.7%) and Utah (-1.6%).

For cities (Core-based Statistical Areas, CBSA), here are the 30 cities with the largest declines from the peak, seasonally adjusted. Austin continues to be the worst performing city.

There is much more in the article.

by Calculated Risk on 7/31/2024 10:00:00 AM

From the NAR: Pending Home Sales Rose 4.8% in June

Pending home sales in June ascended 4.8%, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. All four U.S. regions posted monthly gains in transactions. Year-over-year, the Northeast, Midwest and South registered declines, while the West increased.

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)* – a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings – grew to 74.3 in June. Year over year, pending transactions were down 2.6%. An index of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001.

"The rise in housing inventory is beginning to lead to more contract signings," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "Multiple offers are less intense, and buyers are in a more favorable position."
...
The Northeast PHSI ascended 3.0% from last month to 65.5, a decline of 0.3% from June 2023. The Midwest index rose 4.7% to 73.7 in June, down 4.2% from one year ago.

The South PHSI increased 6.3% to 89.3 in June, dropping 3.9% from the prior year. The West index climbed 3.4% in June to 58.4, up 1.0% from June 2023.
emphasis added

This was above expectations. Note: Contract signings usually lead sales by about 45 to 60 days, so this would usually be for closed sales in July and August.

by Calculated Risk on 7/31/2024 08:18:00 AM

From ADP: ADP National Employment Report: Private Sector Employment Increased by 122,000 Jobs in July; Annual Pay was Up 4.8%

Private sector employment increased by 122,000 jobs in July and annual pay was up 4.8 percent year-over-year, according to the July ADP® National Employment ReportTM produced by the ADP Research Institute® in collaboration with the Stanford Digital Economy Lab (“Stanford Lab”). ...

“With wage growth abating, the labor market is playing along with the Federal Reserve's effort to slow inflation,” said Nela Richardson, chief economist, ADP. “If inflation goes back up, it won't be because of labor.”
emphasis added

This was below the consensus forecast of 168,000. The BLS report will be released Friday, and the consensus is for 175,000 non-farm payroll jobs added in July.

by Calculated Risk on 7/31/2024 07:00:00 AM

From the MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications decreased 3.9 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Applications Survey for the week ending July 26, 2024.

The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, decreased 3.9 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index decreased 4 percent compared with the previous week. The Refinance Index decreased 7 percent from the previous week and was 32 percent higher than the same week one year ago. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index decreased 2 percent from one week earlier. The unadjusted Purchase Index decreased 1 percent compared with the previous week and was 14 percent lower than the same week one year ago.

"Mortgage rates were little changed last week, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate unchanged at 6.82 percent," said Mike Fratantoni, MBA's SVP and Chief Economist. "In recent weeks, there have been some small bursts of refinance activity, particularly for FHA and VA loans. Last week, VA refi application volume dropped sharply, which drove the aggregate result. Borrowers may be waiting for signs that mortgage rates will drift lower as the Federal Reserve begins to cut short-term rates. Purchase volume also dropped slightly because of ongoing affordability challenges.”
...
The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($766,550 or less) remained unchanged at 6.82 percent, with points increasing to 0.62 from 0.59 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent loan-to-value ratio (LTV) loans.
emphasis added

Click on graph for larger image.

The first graph shows the MBA mortgage purchase index.

According to the MBA, purchase activity is down 14% year-over-year unadjusted.  

Red is a four-week average (blue is weekly).  

Purchase application activity is up about 6% from the lows in late October 2023, but still below the lowest levels during the housing bust.  

The second graph shows the refinance index since 1990.

With higher mortgage rates, the refinance index declined sharply in 2022, and mostly flat lined since then with some increase recently.

by Calculated Risk on 7/30/2024 07:22:00 PM

Note: Mortgage rates are from MortgageNewsDaily.com and are for top tier scenarios.

Wednesday:
• At 7:00 AM ET, The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) will release the results for the mortgage purchase applications index.

• At 8:15 AM: The ADP Employment Report for June. This report is for private payrolls only (no government). The consensus is for 168,000 payroll jobs added in June, up from 150,000 in May.

• At 9:45 AM: Chicago Purchasing Managers Index for July.

• At 10:00 AM: Pending Home Sales Index for June. The consensus is for a 1.5% increase in the index.

• At 2:00 PM: FOMC Meeting Announcement. No change to the Fed Funds rate is expected.

• At 2:30 PM: Fed Chair Jerome Powell holds a press briefing following the FOMC announcement.

by Calculated Risk on 7/30/2024 01:23:00 PM

The Census Bureau released the Residential Vacancies and Homeownership report for Q2 2024 today.

The results of this survey were significantly distorted by the pandemic in 2020.

This report is frequently mentioned by analysts and the media to track household formation, the homeownership rate, and the homeowner and rental vacancy rates.  However, there are serious questions about the accuracy of this survey.

This survey might show the trend, but I wouldn't rely on the absolute numbers. Analysts probably shouldn't use the HVS to estimate the excess vacant supply or household formation, or rely on the homeownership rate, except as a guide to the trend.

National vacancy rates in the second quarter 2024 were 6.6 percent for rental housing and 0.9 percent for homeowner housing. The rental vacancy rate was higher than the rate in the second quarter 2023 (6.3 percent) and virtually the same as the rate in the first quarter 2024 (6.6 percent).

The homeowner vacancy rate of 0.9 percent was higher than the rate in the second quarter 2023 (0.7 percent) and higher than the rate in the first quarter 2024 (0.8 percent).

The homeownership rate of 65.6 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the second quarter 2023 (65.9 percent) and virtually the same as the rate in the first quarter 2024 (65.6 percent).
emphasis added

Click on graph for larger image.

The Red dots are the decennial Census homeownership rates for April 1st, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. 

The HVS homeownership rate was unchanged at 65.6% in Q2, from 65.6% in Q1.  

The results in Q2 and Q3 2020 were distorted by the pandemic and should be ignored.

The HVS homeowner vacancy increased to 0.9% in Q2 from 0.8% in Q1.

Once again - this probably shows the general trend, but I wouldn't rely on the absolute numbers.

The homeowner vacancy rate declined sharply during the pandemic and includes homes that are vacant and for sale (so this mirrors the low levels of existing home inventory).

The rental vacancy rate was unchanged at 6.6% in Q2 from 6.6% in Q1.  This is up from the low of 5.6% in 2021 and 2022.

The quarterly HVS is the timeliest survey on households, but there are many questions about the accuracy of this survey.

by Calculated Risk on 7/30/2024 10:18:00 AM

Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 5.9% year-over-year in May; FHFA House Price Index Unchanged in May, up 5.7% YoY

Excerpt:

S&P/Case-Shiller released the monthly Home Price Indices for May ("May" is a 3-month average of March, April and May closing prices). May closing prices include some contracts signed in January, so there is a significant lag to this data. Here is a graph of the month-over-month (MoM) change in the Case-Shiller National Index Seasonally Adjusted (SA).

The MoM increase in the seasonally adjusted (SA) Case-Shiller National Index was at 0.25%. This was the sixteenth consecutive MoM increase, but this tied December as the smallest MoM increase in the last 15 months.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, prices increased month-to-month in 17 of the 20 Case-Shiller cities. Seasonally adjusted, San Francisco has fallen 7.5% from the recent peak, Seattle is down 5.4% from the peak, Portland down 4.3%, and Phoenix is down 4.3%.

There is much more in the article.

by Calculated Risk on 7/30/2024 10:00:00 AM

From the BLS: Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary

The number of job openings was unchanged at 8.2 million on the last business day of June, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the month, both the number of hires and total separations were little changed at 5.3 million and 5.1 million, respectively. Within separations, quits (3.3 million) and layoffs and discharges (1.5 million) changed little.
emphasis added

The following graph shows job openings (black line), hires (dark blue), Layoff, Discharges and other (red column), and Quits (light blue column) from the JOLTS.

This series started in December 2000.

Note: The difference between JOLTS hires and separations is similar to the CES (payroll survey) net jobs headline numbers. This report is for June; the employment report this Friday will be for July.

Click on graph for larger image.

Note that hires (dark blue) and total separations (red and light blue columns stacked) are usually pretty close each month. This is a measure of labor market turnover.  When the blue line is above the two stacked columns, the economy is adding net jobs - when it is below the columns, the economy is losing jobs.

The spike in layoffs and discharges in March 2020 is labeled, but off the chart to better show the usual data.

Jobs openings decreased in June to 8.18 million from 8.23 million in May.

The number of job openings (black) were down 10% year-over-year. 

Quits were down 12% year-over-year. These are voluntary separations. (See light blue columns at bottom of graph for trend for "quits").

by Calculated Risk on 7/30/2024 09:00:00 AM

S&P/Case-Shiller released the monthly Home Price Indices for May ("May" is a 3-month average of March, April and May closing prices).

This release includes prices for 20 individual cities, two composite indices (for 10 cities and 20 cities) and the monthly National index.

From S&P S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index Again Breaks Previous Month's All-Time High for May 2024

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index, covering all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 5.9% annual gain for May, down from a 6.4% annual gain in the previous month. The 10-City Composite saw an annual increase of 7.7%, down from an 8.1% annual increase in the previous month. The 20-City Composite posted a year-over-year increase of 6.8%, dropping from a 7.3% increase in the previous month. New York reported the highest annual gain among the 20 cities with a 9.4% increase in May, followed by San Diego and Las Vegas with increases of 9.1% and 8.6%, respectively. Portland once again held the lowest rank for the smallest year-over-year growth, notching a 1.0% annual increase in May.
...
The U.S. National Index, the 20-City Composite, and the 10-City Composite upward trends continued to decelerate from last month, with pre-seasonality adjustment increases of 0.9%, 1.0%, and 1.0%, respectively.

After seasonal adjustment, the U.S. National Index posted the same month-over-month change of 0.3% as last month, while the 20-City and 10-City Composite reported a monthly change of 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively.

“While annual gains have decelerated recently, this may have more to do with 2023 than 2024, as recent performance remains encouraging,” says Brian D. Luke, Head of Commodities, Real & Digital Assets. “Our home price index has appreciated 4.1% year-to-date, the fastest start in two years. Covering the six-month period dating to when mortgage rates peaked, our national index has risen the past four months, erasing the stall experienced late last year. Collectively, all 20 markets covered continue to trade in a homogeneous pattern. Coming into the 2024 presidential election, traditional red states are in a dead heat with blue states, both averaging 5.9% gains annually.

“The Big Apple returned to the top of the leader boards, toppling San Diego from its six-month perch. New York’s 9.4% annual return outpaced San Diego and Las Vegas, by 0.3% and 0.7%, respectively. All 20 markets observed annual gains for the last six months. The last time we saw that long a streak was when all markets rose for three years consecutively during the COVID housing boom. This rally pales in comparison in both duration and annual gains, with above trend growth of 6.2%. The waiting game for the possibility of favorable changes in lending rates continues to be costly for potential buyers as home prices march forward.”
emphasis added

Click on graph for larger image.

The first graph shows the nominal seasonally adjusted Composite 10, Composite 20 and National indices (the Composite 20 was started in January 2000).

The Composite 10 index was up 0.4% in May (SA).  The Composite 20 index was up 0.3% (SA) in May.

The National index was up 0.3% (SA) in May.

The second graph shows the year-over-year change in all three indices.

The Composite 10 SA was up 7.7% year-over-year.  The Composite 20 SA was up 6.8% year-over-year.

The National index SA was up 5.9% year-over-year.

Annual price changes were close to expectations.  I'll have more later.

by Calculated Risk on 7/29/2024 08:15:00 PM

From Matthew Graham at Mortgage News Daily: Mortgage Rates Start Week at 6 Month Lows

Although the range has been very narrow for the past few weeks, average mortgage rates nonetheless fell to the lowest levels in more than 6 months. Top tier conventional 30yr fixed scenarios are well into the high 6's now, with our proprietary daily average at 6.81, matching the levels seen on July 15th and 18th.
...
The rest of the week is most likely to be determined by economic reports as well as the reaction to Wednesday's Fed announcement. The Fed is not expected to cut rates at this meeting, but some investors will be looking for clues about a September rate cut, currently seen as a near certainty. [30 year fixed 6.81%]
emphasis added

Tuesday:
• At 9:00 AM ET, S&P/Case-Shiller House Price Index for May. The consensus is for a 6.0% year-over-year increase in the Comp 20 index for May.

• Also at 9:00 AM, FHFA House Price Index for May. This was originally a GSE only repeat sales, however there is also an expanded index.

• At 10:00 AM ET: Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey for June from the BLS.

by Calculated Risk on 7/29/2024 05:05:00 PM

Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: Fannie and Freddie: Single Family Serious Delinquency Rate Mostly Unchanged in June, Multi-family Increased

Brief excerpt:

Single-family serious delinquencies were mostly unchanged in June, and multi-family serious delinquencies increased again.
...
Freddie Mac reports that the multi-family delinquencies rate increased to 0.38% in June, up from 0.36% in April, but down from the recent peak of 0.44% in January.

This graph shows the Freddie multi-family serious delinquency rate since 2012. Rates were still high in 2012 following the housing bust and financial crisis.

The multi-family rate increased following the pandemic and has increased recently as rent growth has slowed, vacancy rates have increased, and borrowing rates have increased sharply. The rate surged higher in January and then declined in February and March but has been increasing again. This will be something to watch as more apartments come on the market.

There is much more in the article.

by Calculated Risk on 7/29/2024 09:58:00 AM

Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: Final Look at Local Housing Markets in June and a Look Ahead to July Sales

A brief excerpt:

In June, sales in these markets were down 13.1% YoY. Last month, in May, these same markets were down 0.1% year-over-year Not Seasonally Adjusted (NSA).
...
This was a year-over-year decrease NSA for these markets. However, there were two fewer working days in June 2024 compared to June 2023 (19 vs 21), so seasonally adjusted sales were much higher than the NSA data suggests. Note that the NAR reported sales NSA were down 13.4% YoY in June, almost the same as this local data!

July sales will be mostly for contracts signed in May and June, and mortgage rates decreased slightly to an average of 6.92% in June, down from 7.06% in May. My early expectation is we will see existing home sales at or above the same level in July as compared to June, on a seasonally adjusted annual rate basis (SAAR).

Note for next month (July sales): There were two more working days in July 2024 compared to July 2023 (22 vs 20), so seasonally adjusted sales will be much lower than the NSA data suggests.

There is much more in the article.

by Calculated Risk on 7/29/2024 08:11:00 AM

Altos reports that active single-family inventory was up 1.3% week-over-week. Inventory is now up 37.1% from the February seasonal bottom.

Click on graph for larger image.

This inventory graph is courtesy of Altos Research.

As of July 26th, inventory was at 677 thousand (7-day average), compared to 668 thousand the prior week.   

This is the highest level of inventory since June 2020; however, inventory is still far below pre-pandemic levels. 

The second graph shows the seasonal pattern for active single-family inventory since 2015.

The red line is for 2024.  The black line is for 2019.  

Inventory was up 39.4% compared to the same week in 2023 (last week it was up 39.1%), and down 29.4% compared to the same week in 2019 (last week it was down 30.3%). 

Back in June 2023, inventory was down almost 54% compared to 2019, so the gap to more normal inventory levels is slowly closing.

Mike Simonsen discusses this data regularly on Youtube.