Signed contracts to buy existing homes slipped 0.8% in March according to the National Association of Realtors, but is 0.8% higher compared to March of 2016. Home prices are up nearly 7% compared to a year ago with 42% of homes sold at or above list price in March.

New orders for U.S. capital goods rose 0.2% last month according to the Commerce Department.  Last month, orders for machinery slipped 0.2%, but shipments increased 0.7%.

Initial jobless claims for the week rose 14,000 to 257,000. The four-week moving average of claims fell 500 to 242,250 pointing toward a gradual tightening in the labor market. Overall, the data is still consistent with a healthy labor market and continued economic growth. (LPL Research)

Industrials have produced the biggest upside surprise of all 11 S&P sectors this earnings season. Overall, a solid 77% of S&P 500 have beaten on the bottom line, and 63% on revenue.  First quarter earnings are tracking to a 11.8% year-over-year increase. About 320 S&P 500 companies are still left to report first quarter results. (LPL Research)

Join us this weekend for Financial Focus radio when we will talk with a professional fiduciary.

With Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor I am Troy Reinhart.