Global economic news was the primary influence on US mortgage markets this week. While the US data released during the week was mixed, an improved economic outlook in many other countries was unfavorable for bond markets. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week a little higher. In recent weeks, mortgage rates have fallen to …
Although this week’s economic data was generally stronger than expected, it was overshadowed by solid demand for the Treasury auctions and intensified concerns about the economic situation in Greece, which helped mortgage markets. After reaching the highest levels since August, mortgage rates ended a little lower than where they ended last week. Recent increases in …
While the economic data released this week had little impact, mortgage rates were heavily influenced by two big stories. One was an announcement that China will take steps to slow its economic growth and the other was President Obama’s proposed new restrictions on the activities of financial institutions. Both measures are expected to lead to …
This week’s economic news was mixed for mortgage markets. A speech from Fed Chief Bernanke pushed mortgage rates lower early in the week, but weak results in the Treasury auctions caused them to turn higher again later in the week. In the end, mortgage rates finished with little net change. Despite a stronger than expected …
There were few surprises in the economic data released this week, and the record $109 billion in Treasury auctions went smoothly. As a result, it was a quiet week for mortgage markets. This week’s economic data showed signs that the economy is gradually improving, while inflation is not a concern right now. Demand remained solid …
In anticipation of the announcement of favorable new Fed actions, mortgage rates moved lower early in the week. Some investors were looking for the Fed to expand its purchases of Treasury securities, which would be positive for mortgage rates. Those investors were disappointed, however, as the Fed announced no new initiatives. The Fed made no …
Mortgages rates started the day higher, but are beginning to recover. The strength of equities has started to sell off on details of the bank stress tests. This sell-off is starting to drive some investors back to the safety of bonds, which is recovering the MBS market back to a mortgage rates neutral level for …
Mortgage rates moved up slightly for the week nationally (but stayed at last week’s rates here), and remain under 5%. The short holiday trading week and little economic reporting supported mortgage rates holding flat through most of the week. Mortgage rates still remain below 5%–a historically low level. This stability has increased housing demand and …
Mortgage rates seem ready to stabilize for an extended period of time, and our rates this week remain unchanged from last week. The stock market ended the quarter on another down cycle and corporations struggle through another tough quarter. This contributed to some additional improvement in mortgage rates early in the week, but returning to …
Mortgage rates dropped into the high 4 percent range this week and continue to hold at record lows. Almost totally held by Fed actions in the market–buying mortgage-backed securities and long-term treasuries–there are fears of a rapid reversal in the trend. Key economic data today with the PCE numbers and subtle indicators in recent GDP …