Last week's economic reports included readings on job openings and inflation along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Job Openings Hit Third Highest Reading on Record Job openings held steady at 6.70 million in June, which was the third highest reading since reporting started in 2000. Analysts said that the high number of job openings combined with low unemployment rates indicates healthy labor markets. Fewer jobs were available in transportation, utilities and warehousing, but jobs in education increased. Job quits remained at 2.20 percent for the fourth consecutive month. Quits are considered an indicator of worker…

Last week's economic reports included readings from Case-Shiller, Commerce Department reports on pending home sales and construction spending and an FOMC statement. Labor sector reports on job creation and the national unemployment rate were released along with the monthly Consumer Confidence Index. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Holds Steady in May Home price analysts Case-Shiller reported national home prices rose 0.40 percent in May and were 6.40 percent higher year-over-year. Case-Shiller's 20-City Home Price Index was 0.20 percent higher in May and 6.50 percent higher year-over-year. Only seven cities…

Last week's economic readings included reports on sales of new and pre-owned homes, mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims. New Home Sales Slide; Pre-owned Home Sales Meet Expectations Commerce Department reported lower sales of new homes in June. Sales were expected to reach 666,000 sales on a seasonally adjusted annual basis, but the actual reading slipped by 5.30 percent to a pace of 631,000 new home sales. Analysts cited higher building costs, home prices and mortgage rates sidelined some buyers. Concerns over inadequate inventories of available homes also impacted sales of newly-built homes. New homes sold at a rate 6.90…