Mortgage rates are based on bonds (mortgage backed securities) and are traded fairly similar as stocks. Investors tend to favor stocks over bonds as stocks tend to provide a better return. However, investors will opt for bonds over stocks when they are seeking safety when markets are tumultuous. When the stock market is on a run, odds are mortgage rates may be moving higher as investors are selecting stocks over bonds. And when the stock market is tanking, mortgage rates tend to improve for the same reason. [Read more…]
How does economic news impact mortgage interest rates?
August 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment
How the Fed impacts Mortgage Rates [LIVE MORTGAGE RATE POST]
December 16, 2015 by 1 Comment
Today is “Fed Day” and it’s widely anticipated that we will see our first increase to the Fed Funds rate in years.
Fed Chair Janet Yellen is expected to announce an increase of 0.25% to the Fed Funds rate following the wrap up of today’s FOMC meeting around 11:00 PST.
LIVE POST: Will the Fed Impact Mortgage Rates?
September 17, 2015 by 1 Comment
I like writing a “live post” with updates throughout the day to attempt to illustrate how mortgage rates (or the pricing of mortgage rates) can fluctuate throughout the day.
Today the two day Fed meeting wraps up and we’ll learn if the Fed is going to raise the Fed Funds Rate. Following the announcement from the Fed (around 11:00 am PST), we will have commentary from Fed Chair Janet Yellen. While the Fed doesn’t directly dictate what mortgage rates will be, their actions certainly influences mortgage interest rates.
Click here for a mortgage rate quote for your home in Washington.
The Fed says…. [LIVE POST]
April 29, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Today at around 11:00 am PST, the FOMC will wrap up their two day meeting and announce any changes to the Fed funds rate. Markets will react to the Fed statements regarding their views of our economy impacting their decisions on whether or not to raise the Fed funds rate. It is widely anticipated that there will be no change to the Fed funds rate today.
It’s not unusual to have the Fed meeting impact the direction of mortgage rates…so I thought I’d attempt a “live rate post” to illustrate how mortgage rates can change in a day. Mortgage rates have been trending higher this week. As of 7:52 am this morning, the 30 year fixed rate is higher by about 0.125% in rate or 0.752 in fee compared to what I quoted two days ago on Monday’s post.
What the Fed Says and How It Impacts Mortgage Rates [LIVE POST]
October 8, 2014 by Leave a Comment
I am going to attempt to write a “live post” today to illustrate how mortgage rates may change based on data that is released throughout the day and market reactions. Please keep in mind that despite my best efforts, sometimes a “live post” can be a bit challenging…we’ll give it a try!
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: December 9, 2013
December 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment
This week’s calendar of economic indicators is very light compared to last week. Here’s what is scheduled to be released this week:
Fed to Keep Mortgage Rates Sweet and Low
September 18, 2013 by 1 Comment
The Fed made no changes to the Fed Funds rate… no surprise there. However, the Fed did surprise the markets today announcing they are not tapering their purchasing of mortgage backed securities. From today’s press release:
“…Taking into account the extent of federal fiscal retrenchment, the Committee sees the improvement in economic activity and labor market conditions since it began its asset purchase program a year ago as consistent with growing underlying strength in the broader economy. However, the Committee decided to await more evidence that progress will be sustained before adjusting the pace of its purchases. [Read more…]
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: September 16, 2013
September 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Mortgage backed securities are improving this morning on the news that Larry Summers has withdrawn as a candidate for the next Fed Chairman. This leaves current Fed Vice Chairman Janet Yellan as a strong candidate to replace Ben Bernanke. Bond markets are reacting positively to the news that Janet is once again a front runner as the next Fed head. Speaking of the Fed – watch for the results of the FOMC meeting on this Wednesday.
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