Question 1

Can I access this calendar data through an API?

Accepted Answer

Yes, developers can access economic calendar data programmatically through our API.

Question 2

How do economic events affect mortgage rates?

Accepted Answer

Mortgage rates respond to economic data because lenders and investors watch for signs of inflation. When economic reports show strong growth or rising prices, rates tend to move higher. When reports show slower growth, rates often improve. You can use this calendar to see what data is coming and plan your rate lock timing.

Question 3

What is a 'high impact' event?

Accepted Answer

High impact events move mortgage rates more than other releases. The Federal Reserve's rate decisions, the monthly jobs report, and inflation data (CPI and PCE) are the big three. When you see these on the calendar, pay attention — your rate could change that day.

Question 4

What happens at an FOMC meeting?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Open Market Committee meets eight times per year to set the federal funds rate. While the fed funds rate and mortgage rates are different, the Fed's decisions shape how lenders price mortgages. The Fed also shares guidance about future rate moves, which can affect your rate before changes happen.

Question 5

What is CPI and why does it matter for mortgage rates?

Accepted Answer

CPI (Consumer Price Index) tracks the prices you pay for everyday goods and services. When CPI comes in higher than expected, mortgage rates often rise because lenders expect the Fed to tighten policy. Lower CPI readings can lead to better rates. CPI is released monthly and typically moves markets.

Question 6

What is the difference between CPI and PCE inflation?

Accepted Answer

CPI and PCE both measure inflation, but they count things differently. CPI tracks what urban consumers spend money on. PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) covers more types of spending and adjusts when people switch to cheaper alternatives. The Fed watches PCE more closely, but both reports move mortgage rates.

Question 7

How do I read the monthly jobs report?

Accepted Answer

The jobs report shows three numbers that matter for rates: how many jobs the economy added, the unemployment rate, and wage growth. Strong job gains and rising wages can push rates higher. Weaker numbers may help rates improve. The report comes out the first Friday of each month at 8:30 AM ET.

Question 8

Why do mortgage rates sometimes move before economic data is released?

Accepted Answer

Traders and lenders make predictions about upcoming data. When they expect strong numbers, rates may rise before the report. The actual release matters most when it surprises people — rates move based on whether data beats or misses expectations, not just whether the number looks good or bad.

Question 9

When should I lock my mortgage rate?

Accepted Answer

If you want to protect your rate from potential increases, consider locking before high-impact events. If you think data will come in weak and help rates, you might wait.

Question 10

How often is this calendar updated?

Accepted Answer

We update the calendar weekly with data from official sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau. Release dates and times come directly from the agencies that publish the reports.

Date	Time (ET)	Event
Sun, Apr 26 8:30 AM	8:30 AM	GDP (Advance) Bureau of Economic Analysis The broadest measure of economic health. Strong GDP may delay rate cuts; weak GDP could speed them up.
Sun, Apr 26 10:00 AM	10:00 AM	Consumer Sentiment (Final) University of Michigan Final read on consumer mood with full sample. Includes inflation expectations.
Tue, Apr 28 8:30 AM	8:30 AM	Personal Income and Outlays Bureau of Economic Analysis Includes PCE Price Index - the Fed's preferred inflation gauge. Very important for rate policy.
Tue, Apr 28 9:00 AM	9:00 AM	Case-Shiller Home Price Index S&P Dow Jones Indices Tracks home price changes in major metros. Shows where prices are headed with 2-month lag.
Tue, Apr 28 10:00 AM	10:00 AM	Employment SituationMarket Mover Bureau of Labor Statistics The monthly jobs report. Strong job growth may keep rates higher; weak growth could accelerate rate cuts.
Tue, Apr 28 10:00 AM	10:00 AM	Pending Home Sales Index National Association of Realtors Leading indicator of existing home sales. Shows buyer demand before deals close.
Tue, Apr 28 10:00 AM	10:00 AM	Consumer Confidence Conference Board How optimistic consumers feel. Confident consumers spend more, which can be inflationary.
Wed, Apr 29 7:00 AM	7:00 AM	MBA Mortgage Applications Mortgage Bankers Association Weekly snapshot of mortgage demand. Shows how rate changes affect buyer and refinance activity.
Wed, Apr 29 8:15 AM	8:15 AM	ADP Employment ADP Research Institute Private payroll estimate released before official jobs report. Sets expectations for Friday's data.
Wed, Apr 29 8:30 AM	8:30 AM	Durable Goods Orders Census Bureau Economic data that can influence Federal Reserve policy and mortgage rate movements.
Wed, Apr 29 8:30 AM	8:30 AM	Housing Starts Census Bureau New construction activity. More building can eventually ease supply constraints and price pressure.
Wed, Apr 29 8:30 AM	8:30 AM	Trade Balance Census Bureau Exports minus imports. Large deficits can affect currency and interest rates.
Thu, Apr 30 8:30 AM	8:30 AM	Employment Cost Index Bureau of Labor Statistics Measures wage growth. Rising wages can fuel inflation and keep rates higher.
Thu, Apr 30 8:30 AM	8:30 AM	Initial Jobless Claims Department of Labor Weekly pulse on layoffs. Rising claims can signal economic weakness and potential rate cuts.
Fri, May 1 10:00 AM	10:00 AM	ISM Manufacturing PMI Institute for Supply Management Factory activity gauge. Above 50 = expansion; below 50 = contraction. First major data of each month.

Economic Calendar: Key Events for Mortgage Rates

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Dan Green

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