Mortgage rates are in free fall on a triple whammy of economic news
Jobs reports trigger recession fears, sending rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages plunging to new 2024 lows as investors rotate out of stocks and into bonds and MBSs that fund home loans
by Matt Carter Aug 2
Mortgage rates continue descent as Fed hints at September rate cut
Fed policymakers are acknowledging that while they're determined not to cut rates until inflation is tamed, they're also worried about waiting too long and throwing the economy into a tailspin
by Matt Carter Jul 31
Home prices grew in May as mortgage rates, inventory rose
The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index and FHFA House Price Index showed 'no relief' for homebuyers hoping for falling home prices as mortgage rates remain elevated
by Lillian Dickerson Jul 30
Inflation cools again in June, giving mortgage rates room to ease
As inflation gets closer to Fed's 2% target, economists at Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association predict mortgage rates will continue to drop into the low 6s by the end of next year
by Matt Carter Jul 26
Falling mortgage rates have yet to translate into pricier home sales
Applications for purchase mortgages dropped last week for the 2nd week in a row as rising home prices continue to shut many would-be homebuyers out of the market: MBA survey
by Matt Carter Jul 24
Economists predict big slowdown in home price appreciation
As for-sale listings continue to surge, many would-be homebuyers are still having trouble finding properties that they can afford. Prices are already coming down in some markets
by Matt Carter Jul 23
Eyeing next refi boom, lenders plan to maintain or grow payrolls
Lending industry leaders surveyed by Fannie Mae see the lack of housing supply as the biggest risk factor in 2024, but most expect refinancing to pick up next year if rates continue to fall
by Matt Carter Jul 22
Big drop in mortgage rates fuels refis, but homebuyers unmoved
One issue for would-be homebuyers seeking jumbo mortgages is that rates haven't come down as dramatically as they have for conforming mortgages eligible for purchase by Fannie and Freddie
by Matt Carter Jul 17
‘It’s finally happening': Cooler inflation opens the door to rate cut
Overall inflation rose just 3% on an annual basis in June, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 10-year Treasury yield, an indicator of mortgage rates, plummeted on the news Thursday
by Taylor Anderson Jul 11
NAR chief economist predicts 6% mortgage rates. Is this the time?
NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun told CNBC he expects rates to settle around 6%, a prediction he’s made several times before. A look back at 2 years of his forecasts amid a chaotic economy
by Taylor Anderson Jul 11
FHA, VA requests drive pickup in purchase mortgage demand
Rates surged and then pulled back last week in what could foreshadow more election-year volatility in the months ahead. Powell tells Congress Fed will remain above the fray
by Matt Carter Jul 10
Mortgage rates retreating from 7% on 'massive' revision to jobs report
After spiking in the wake of the June 27 presidential debate, mortgage rates are trending down again on mounting expectations that the Federal Reserve will start cutting rates in September
by Matt Carter Jul 5
Homebuyer mortgage demand dips, breaking 3-week streak
Mortgage rates are on the rebound despite encouraging inflation data, as Fed policymakers stick to 'higher for longer' strategy until they see more conclusive evidence economy has cooled
by Matt Carter Jul 3
Mortgage rates surge as Trump's odds improve after debate
Investors who fund most mortgage loans weighed the impact of higher tariffs, tighter restrictions on immigration and an extension of 2017 tax cuts under a second Trump administration
by Matt Carter Jul 1
Prospects for lower mortgage rates grow as inflation continues to ease
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge fell to 2.56% in May, getting closer to the Fed's 2% target for the 2nd month in a row. Core inflation reading is lowest since March 2021
by Matt Carter Jun 28