The next Fed chair may be more receptive to the president's calls for rate cuts, but they'll have to convince other central bank policymakers to give up their independence
Despite an unusually active fall market this year, the housing market has finally settled into a slower pace for winter and returned to seasonal norms
Homebuyer demand is still stronger than a year ago, but seasonal shifts have pushed the mix of business toward refinancing, which accounted for 59% of loan applications last week
Initial unemployment claims hit highest level since September, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warns official data could be overestimating job creation by up to 60K jobs a month
The 9-3 split vote reflects differing views on whether the central bank's biggest worry is inflation or rising unemployment, with data lagging after the government shutdown
While a Dec. 10 Federal Reserve rate cut is now seen as a lock, MBS investors who fund most home loans aren't as bullish that the central bank will cut rates aggressively in 2026
Demand for purchase loans hit a new 2025 high last week after adjusting for the holiday, with mortgage rates near a low for the year and a Dec. 10 Fed rate cut on tap
Applications for purchase mortgages hit a seasonally adjusted 2025 high last week, with FHA, VA, and USDA applications for less pricey homes driving the surge, MBA lender survey shows
The latest numbers from the Case-Shiller Index show weak price growth in September, with significant regional variation. One expert even warned of 'outright decline' in some markets
Fannie Mae forecasters are predicting mortgage rates will fall below 6 percent by the end of next year. Economists at the Mortgage Bankers Association don't see rates coming down at all.
The president jokingly told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that his job is also on the line if rates don't come down, as poll shows inflation will be a key issue in 2026 midterm elections
After hitting a 2025 low on Oct. 28, mortgage rates continue to rise as hopes dim for a December Fed rate cut. Futures market investors see only a 34% chance of a Dec. 10 rate cut.
The resignation of Biden appointee Adriana Kugler and pending retirement of Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic renews speculation that Trump will seek to undermine Fed independence
NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said Friday there could be a brief bump in home sales after the government shutdown. Here are the other market forces he's watching
Rebounding mortgage rates didn't stop buyers from shopping for deals last week, with requests for purchase loans up 6% last week compared to the week before and 31% from a year ago