Retail Sales
Activities begin at 8:30 AM ET tomorrow when August’s Retail Sales report is posted. It tracks consumer spending that fuels economic growth because it makes up over two-thirds of the U.S. economy. If consumer spending is strong, overall economic growth is likely to be stronger, making bonds less attractive to investors. If we see weaker than expected readings in this report, the bond market should respond favorably, pushing mortgage rates lower. Current forecasts show a 0.3% increase in sales. Good news for the bond market and mortgage pricing would be a decline.