Market Commentary:

For the week of Feb 9^th – Feb 15^th, 30-year and 15-year interest rates increased.

Rates increased due to the year over year CORE CPI coming in at 3.9% versus 3.7%. This is an indication that prices (food, clothing, shelter and goods and services) paid for by consumers are still higher than expected. As a result, the Fed will likely delay the beginning of rate decreases. Today's retail sales numbers came in significantly lower than expected, a slight contradiction - a sign that consumers are feeling price increases which could signal the Fed to consider lowering rates sooner.