The Fed’s announcement today to leave the funds rate unchanged was not a surprise to the markets. What did send the bond market in a tizzy this afternoon was that the Fed ever-so-slightly moved the goal posts out a bit for inflation. [Read more…]
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: November 17, 2014
This morning, Japan announced their GDP (gross domestic product) continues to decline, giving US mortgage bonds a slight boost. This week has a lot of economic indicators scheduled to be released that could impact the direction of mortgage rates. Keep an eye out for data that reveals inflation, as that will cause mortgage rates to trend higher.
Currently mortgage rates are continuing to improve (see below) compared to last week’s mortgage rate post.
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: July 28, 2014
This week is packed full of economic indicators that may influence mortgage interest rates, including the Fed meeting on Wednesday and Jobs Report on Friday. The Jobs Report carries a lot of weight with mortgage rates as it may indicate inflation. As the economy and employment improves, we may see signs of wage inflation. Inflation is the arch enemy of bonds, like mortgage backed securities – which mortgage rates are based on. World tensions may also impact mortgage rates as investors may seek the safety found in bonds.
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: June 23, 2014
Mortgage rates are based on mortgage backed securities (bonds) and often change throughout the day. Since they are based on bonds, mortgage rates will often improve when the stock markets are deteriorating as investors will trade the safety of bonds for the potential greater return found with stocks. The reverse is also true. World events as well as scheduled economic indicators may impact the direction of mortgage interest rates. Watch for signs of inflation, which erodes the value of bonds and therefore, causes mortgage rates to trend higher.
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: August 12, 2013
Mortgage rate update for the week of March 11, 2013
The strong Jobs Report on Friday caused mortgage rates to trend higher. This morning rates are still at that level. Please keep in mind that although I talk about mortgage rates been higher – they’re still very low. However if you’ve been pricing mortgage rates over the last two months, you’ll notice that the price (discount) for the same rate you’ve been quoted, cost more.
Mortgage rate update for the week of February 18, 2013
The stock and bond markets are closed today in observance of President’s Day. Here are a few of the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week.
Wed. February 20: Building Permits; Producer Price Index (PPI); Housing Starts; FOMC Minutes released
Thurs. February 21: Consumer Price Index (CPI); Initial Jobless Claims; Philadelphia Fed Index; Existing Home Sales
Watch for signs of inflation from the PPI or CPI, which tends to drive mortgage rates higher. Wall Street will also be paying close attention to the FOMC minutes.
Happy President’s Day!
Mortgage rate update for the week of January 14, 2013
This week is packed with economic reports that may impact the direction of mortgage interest rates. Mortgage rates are based on mortgage backed securities (bonds). When the Fed minutes revealed hints that the FOMC may stop purchasing mortgage backed securities last week, mortgage rates ticked slightly higher. However Japan is hinting of buying US bonds, which is helping rates trend lower this morning.
Signs of inflation or the economy recovering may also cause mortgage rates to trend higher. Here are some of the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week:
- Mon, January 14: No scheduled data – however, Ben Bernanke is speaking this afternoon on monatary policy.
- Tue, January 15: Producer Price Index (PPI), Retail Sales and Empire State Index
- Wed, January 16: Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Beige Book
- Thurs, January 17: Initial Jobless Claims, Building Permits, Housing Starts and Philadelphia Fed Index
- Fri, January 18: UoM Consumer Sentiment Index
NOTE: Monday, January 21, 2012 our office will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day.
As I write this post (8:24 am pst) the DOW is up 5 at 13493 and MBS for the FNMA 30 year is up slightly.
If you would like a mortgage rate quote for your Washington state home, please click here. I’m happy to help!
Recent Comments