While the Stock Markets are open Friday, the Bond Market will be closed in honor of Veterans Day. And with fewer economic reports this week--and with earnings season essentially behind us-the Bond Market will take direction from a number of factors.
• The first major report will be released on Thursday when Weekly Jobless Claims are reported. Last week's report showed that weekly claims fell below 400,000 to 397,000, which was better than the 401,000 that was expected.
• The markets will also get a new read on how American consumers feel about the economy with the Consumer Sentiment Index on Friday.
In addition to those reports, the headlines coming out of Europe will continue to influence the markets here in the US, including Bonds and, as a result, home loan rates. Also, this week's Treasury auctions totaling $72 Billion could be a big market mover, depending on how they're received.
Remember: Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates improve, while strong economic news normally has the opposite result.
As you can see in the chart below, Bonds and home loan rates were able to take advantage of the decrease in Stocks last week, due in part to the uncertainty out of Europe. I'll be monitoring this situation closely in the weeks ahead.
Chart: Fannie Mae 3.5% Mortgage Bond (Friday Nov 04, 2011)
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