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August US Pending Home Sales Index Posts Unexpected Increase

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Pending home sales rose by 0.3% in August, compared with the 0.1% decrease expected in survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:35 am ET and following a 2.6% decrease in July, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The monthly sales index was down 4.7% from August 2025.

Pending home sales declined in the Northeast and Midwest regions from July but rose in the South and West regions. It declined in all four regions compared with a year earlier.

"Buyers steadily entered into contracts in August even though mortgage rates increased," NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said. "However, the housing market is still sluggish, with contract signings below last year. This is due to higher mortgage rates offsetting the increased buying power created by job gains and income growth outpacing home price growth."

September existing-home sales data are scheduled for release on Oct. 13.

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International

New Zealand Job Ads Rise 0.6% in August, Up 9.7% Annually, Says Seek

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International

Saudi Central Bank Lifts Rates by 25 Basis Points

The Saudi Central Bank on Wednesday decided to hike key rates by 25 basis points to maintain monetary stability.SAMA raised the repurchase agreement, or repo rate, to 4.50% and the reverse repo rate to 4%.The move follows the US Federal Reserve's decision to lift interest rates by 25 basis points.

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International

UAE Central Bank Hikes Rates by 25 Basis Points in September

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates raised the base rate applicable to the overnight deposit facility by 25 basis points to 3.9%, effective Thursday.Meanwhile, the interest rate applicable to borrowing short-term liquidity was maintained at 50 basis points above the base rate for all standing credit facilities, according to a Wednesday release.The CBUAE's decision follows the US Federal Reserve's move to increase the interest rate on reserve balances.

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