Last week's economic news included readings  from the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index and July readings on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on initial jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. NAHB: Home Builder Sentiment Remains High According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence in housing market conditions rose one point to an index reading of 66 for August. Housing Market Index readings showed that builder sentiment has held steady with readings of 64 to 66; any reading over 50 indicates positive builder sentiment. Analysts said that despite strong readings…

Last week's economic releases included readings on consumer credit, job openings and weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims. Consumer Credit Use, Job Openings Slow in June Consumer credit use slowed in June as credit card use lost ground. Non-revolving credit, which typically includes education and auto loans, grew at its slowest pace in three months. Mortgage loans are not included in the Federal Reserve's report on consumer credit. Consumer credit use grew by $14.6 billion year-over-year in June as compared to May's year-over-year reading of $16.0 billion. Year-over-year credit use fell one percent in June to 4.30 as…

Last week's economic news included readings from Case-Shiller on home prices, pending home sales, construction spending and a post-meeting statement from the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve. Consumer sentiment was released along with Commerce Department reports on public and private sector job growth and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Home Price Growth Slows in May The Case-Shiller National Home price Index showed slower home price growth in May; this was the 14th consecutive month of slower growth in national home prices and the lowest reading for home price growth…