Interest rates…everybody wants to know where they are headed. Here’s what’s coming out this week that will definitely have an impact.

The Fed’s Beige Book – officially known as the Survey on Current Economic Conditions will be reported on Wednesday. It shows info from banks, interviews with business contacts, economists, market experts, and other sources. The Beige Book is thought by some to be looking in the rearview mirror too much, but it can serve as a future indicator of the Fed’s policy decisions.

This Thursday, the Initial Jobless Claims report will be released. Last week, the number filing for jobless benefits fell, even though it was still higher then previous estimates. Markets will be watching to see if this report hits expectations of approximately 556,000 new claims.

Also on Thursday, the Balance of Trade for July will be reported. The expectations are that the trade deficit will come in the same as the previous month when it widened to $27 Billion. A negative balance of trade (deficit) occurs when imports surpass exports. The United States trade balance has been in a deficit since the mid 1970’s.

Lastly, on Friday, the Preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index will come out. This is a survey conducted by the University of Michigan and measures consumer attitudes regarding the present and future economic conditions.

The biggest factor this week is treasury auctions as the release and sale of Government Bonds can affect Mortgage Bonds, which can alter our interest rates. It’s good to keep your eye on Treasuries and stocks this week as an excellent indicator of what rates will do.

As always, many thanks to Paul Soule, a Senior Mortgage Advisor with Coldwell Banker Home Loans.