Category Archives for "Market Outlook"
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime, and determining the right down payment is a crucial part of the process. The amount you put down can significantly impact your financial health, both in the short term and the long run. In this post, we’ll explore the […]
Continue readingIn the diverse world of real estate financing, Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) options are gaining traction, offering flexible solutions for those who might not meet the strict criteria set by traditional mortgage options. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or someone with a unique financial situation, understanding Non-QM loans can open the door to homeownership or […]
Continue readingWhen embarking on the journey of securing a mortgage, understanding the necessary documentation and how it impacts the approval process is crucial. One key element lenders scrutinize is the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which is a significant determinant of your borrowing capacity. Let’s break down the types of documentation you’ll need and how they play a […]
Continue readingAre you considering diving into the world of homeownership? One key aspect you’ll encounter is the type of mortgage you choose. Among the various options, the fixed-rate mortgage stands out as a popular choice, favored for its stability and predictability. Here’s what you need to know about fixed-rate mortgages. What is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage? A […]
Continue readingIn what is starting to feel like a familiar pattern, bond markets are treading water as investors anxiously await key economic cues that could signal a significant trend shift. This has been the prevalent theme since the Consumer Price Index data was released on February 13th. So far, today’s market performance has been yet another affirmation that standard economic reports do not significantly move the needle.
Case in point, Durable Goods were -6.1, notably lower than the projected -4.5, including a further downward adjustment of -0.3 from last month’s results. However, the data’s core number met expectations, albeit involving a hefty revision downwards from last month’s data. Surprisingly, the seemingly positive bond indicators did not generate much enthusiasm, with the market reaction being essentially negligible, or even leaning towards negativity. This could reveal traders’ growing apprehensiveness regarding today’s Treasury auction. One upbeat aspect, however, is that this is the final auction for the week.
Another silver lining emerging from the situation is that bond yields have deviated from their recent upward trajectory, comfortably treading between 4.19 and 4.32.
One caveat, though: drawing trendlines involves some discretion, and alternate approaches might yield diverging interpretations.
Continue readingPranjul Bhandari, the leading economist for India at the bank, asserts the reason is that tapering in income wasn’t as significant as initially predicted a few months back.
Continue readingTraders Danny Moses, Steve Eisman, Vincent Daniel, and Porter Collins, whose roles were depicted in the film ‘Big Short’, engage in a discourse on ‘Fast Money’. They share insights on prominent topics including their cinematic representation, the influence of large technology companies, property markets, the role of the Federal Reserve, among others.
Continue readingWhat’s the connection between hospital gowns and insurance policies? Both rarely offer the coverage you think they do. Although insurance isn’t the specialty of loan officers, they are noticing how rising homeowner’s insurance costs are affecting affordability. This trend was the theme of the most recent TMC show. However, the increasing cost of insuring homes isn’t the solitary issue. The standard bill for an American vehicle repair is approximately $4,437, whereas for electric cars it’s about $6,618, a marked 49 percent increase. Given the complexity and advanced technology of today’s vehicles, this should come as no surprise. Indeed, collision insurance claims surged by 64 percent between 2018 and 2022. Instead of simply fixing dents, we’re now fixing complex computer components within vehicles. With this in mind, insurance costs are likely to be a hot topic in the 2024 Economic Forecast presented today by the California Association of Mortgage Professionals (CAMP), featuring Dr. Michael Frantanoni and myself, at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT. Don’t miss our Commentary podcast for the week, supported by Calque, the company behind The Trade-In Mortgage. In this program, lenders are partnered with their clients to negotiate lower purchase prices, decrease their interest rates, and eradicate PMI. The podcast includes an interview with Polly’s Troy Coggiola discussing changes in the capital markets and his new position at the company. For updates on Lender and Broker Software, Products, and Services, stay tuned.
Continue readingThe rise of a trending phenomenon on TikTok called “silent depression” sheds light on the puzzling discontent Americans often experience regarding their financial situations, regardless of positive economic conditions in the country.
Continue readingThe average interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances experienced a notable decrease, dropping from 7.07% to 6.83%. This decline is indicative of a more favorable lending environment for prospective homeowners.
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