Category Archives for "Mortgage Industry News"
Promising Start, Lackluster Ending
The bond market started off on a strong note, with overnight improvements pushing yields to match the lowest levels observed in recent days during the early hours of U.S. trading. However, from the opening of the NYSE at 9:30 AM onward, bond prices reversed direction. This downturn wasn’t driven by any specific, new developments and doesn’t significantly affect the larger market context. It’s part of the typical fluctuations occurring in the upcoming weeks and is also common on Friday afternoons after 3 PM ET when the CME closes. Reflecting on the week, the only substantial movement was the sell-off leading into Wednesday morning. Since then, 10-year yields have been reluctant to dip below 4.20, resulting in a stagnant trend. While the current situation might seem unpleasant, it pales compared to potential movements in the weeks ahead.
Economic Data / Events
Durable Goods Orders
-0.8 compared to a forecast of -1.0, 0.0 previously
Market Activity Summary
08:32 AM Slight gains were made overnight, with no significant market impact from the Durable Goods report. Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) increased by 2 ticks (.06), and the 10-year Treasury
Continue readingMortgage rates peaked midweek and have remained largely unchanged. Although slight daily decreases in the average 30-year fixed rate for top-tier borrowers were observed, the typical borrower would likely receive consistent rate quotations across these days. This stability is a notable shift from the volatility experienced on Monday and Tuesday, which lacked clear reasons for such movement. The recent steadiness suggests a wait-and-see approach until a significant catalyst emerges. However, there’s no guarantee that future actions will mimic current trends, given the unpredictable nature of financial markets. What is certain is that over the past month, rates have climbed more sharply than most news outlets have reported, with an actual increase of over 0.70% compared to the reported 0.40%. Looking ahead, next week’s jobs report may introduce significant volatility, and subsequent events like the election and the Fed’s announcements are poised to further influence rates.
Continue readingWe didn’t anticipate significant developments from the Durable Goods report released this morning, yet it still fell short of expectations. Despite the core category—which excludes defense and aircraft—showing a higher-than-anticipated increase, the report failed to make an impact. Typically, such results might lead to a decline in bond prices, but this time, there was no noticeable change in trading activity, and yields even saw a slight decrease within the following thirty minutes. The Consumer Sentiment data also elicited a similar lackluster reaction from the market. As a result, as the afternoon approaches, bond levels remain largely unchanged.
Continue readingA group of cows made an unexpected visit to a marijuana farm in Colorado, causing a commotion that drew the police and animal control to the scene. The situation has become quite intense. Meanwhile, as the weekend approaches, many are marking their final office day before traveling to Denver for the MBA’s Annual Convention and Expo. Preparations are in full swing with schedules being printed and neckties being picked up from the cleaners. Attendees are realizing the vastness of Denver’s convention space, a staggering 2.2 million square feet, making some wonder where a Segway rental might be located. The event runs nearly to the end of October, coinciding with a survey about Americans’ Halloween costume plans. Conventional costumes like animals or witches are less popular, with 44 percent opting for fictional characters, 19 percent choosing animals, and 16 percent going for concepts. Surprisingly, apples don’t make the top ten treats list, which includes favorites like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and M&M’s. In today’s podcast, sponsored by nCino, makers of the nCino Mortgage Suite, I discuss upcoming highlights of the MBA Annual with Robbie. The nCino Mortgage Suite integrates the people, systems, and stages of the mortgage process through products like
Continue readingRemarkable Stability Achieved
Today marked a standout performance in bonds, especially given the challenging context of the first three days of the week. Despite facing stronger-than-expected results from two key economic reports this morning, much of the yield curve managed to stay positive. The markets were keenly attentive, with both reports causing an initial increase in yields and trading volumes. Fortunately for bonds, neither report was decidedly damaging, offering enough nuances to promote a balanced market reaction. What’s noteworthy is the maturity shown by bonds, opting for a measured response rather than an immediate sell-off. However, it’s still uncertain if this equilibrium is a sustainable trend or just a temporary market anomaly.
Economic Data Highlights
– Jobless Claims: 227k versus the forecast of 242k, previous 242k
– Continued Claims: 1897k against a forecast of 1880k, previous 1869k
– S&P Services PMI: 55.3 compared to a forecast of 55.0, previous 55.2
– S&P Manufacturing PMI: 47.8 against a forecast of 47.5, previous 47.3
Market Movements Recap
10:03 AM: Overnight markets showed moderate strength, which
Continue readingMortgage rates have been on a consistent upward trajectory since October 15th, with some significant increases along the way. This follows a larger rise earlier in the month, resulting in a total 0.72% increase in 30-year fixed rates since October 1st. However, today marked a deviation from this pattern. Bonds saw positive movement overnight and maintained those gains, allowing mortgage lenders to make slight improvements in their rate offerings. Essentially, rates remained stable, and for those paying close attention, they even slightly decreased. The focal point of the day, though, wasn’t the rate movement itself. Instead, it was the fact that despite morning economic data suggesting rates should rise, the bond market remained resilient. This suggests that the recent rate spikes may be losing steam, although today’s data wasn’t as influential as major upcoming reports like next week’s jobs report.
Continue readingOn Thursday morning, the significant economic indicators for the week were released, namely the Jobless Claims and S&P’s Purchasing Managers’ Indexes. These reports often prompt modest but visible movements in the market, and today was no different. The data came in stronger, which negatively impacted rates in a predictable way. However, earlier overnight improvements provided some cushion against this downturn. As we approached 10 a.m., bonds were managing to hold on to slight gains.
Continue readingCould rounded airplane windows be seen as a true innovation? Indiana’s Carol K. suggests they are, in a way that amuses. As Finigree, a platform some companies rely on for interim servicing ACH payments, is reported to be pulling back its operations, the quest for dependable and pioneering solutions to manage borrower funds grows. At the Palm Beach Mortgage Professionals Expo hosted by FAMP, the buzz centers around the infusion of smart technology into the operational tech stacks of lenders and vendors. Politics and the fluctuation of interest rates are also in the spotlight; despite a dip in mortgage rates before last month’s Federal Reserve meeting, rates have climbed again this month. Recent data highlights the enduring strength of the economy, with consumer spending, driven largely by credit card usage, solid housing prices, and stable, low unemployment levels. Last month, the U.S. surpassed job addition expectations and saw a slight decrease in unemployment rates. This economic resilience suggests that the Fed is not inclined to reduce rates hastily. In related news, today’s podcast, sponsored by nCino, explores the benefits brought by the nCino Mortgage Suite, which integrates various facets of the mortgage process. Jim Paolino from LodeStar also shares insights on the perks of transparent vendor
Continue readingWhy Do Interest Rates React to a Single-Party Sweep?
This morning’s analysis sparked a lot of questions about the connection between a so-called “red sweep” and the potential rise in interest rates. Some inquiries stemmed from genuine interest, while others were skeptical. Our primary aim is to shed light on the factors influencing market movements, steering clear of political bias when possible, although political scenarios sometimes play a role. For a deeper exploration and to address any confusion from the morning’s discussion, today’s video analysis offers a comprehensive explanation.
Economic Data and Events
Mortgage Bankers Association Refinancing Application Index: 672.6 compared to the previous 734.6
Existing Home Sales: 3.84 million, below the forecast of 3.90 million and the previous figure of 3.88 million
Market Movement Summary
08:50 AM: Markets were moderately weaker overnight, with the 10-year yield increasing by 3.3 basis points to 4.243% and Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) down by an eighth.
12:18 PM: The market experienced further losses by 10 AM but began to recover slightly. MBS remained down by an eighth, while the 10-year yield rose by
Continue readingMortgage rates have been trending upwards recently, though the speed of this increase has varied. Today saw a moderate rise, adding to the already high rates we have experienced since late July. There weren’t any significant economic events to influence the market today. The bond market, which influences mortgage rates, continues its push for higher rates amid looming uncertainties expected in the coming days and weeks. If these anticipated threats don’t pan out, there could be opportunities for rates to fall. Potential risks include election-related market shifts, significant economic reports, and the upcoming Federal Reserve policy announcement. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has swiftly approached 7%, with our index sitting at 6.92%. This indicates most lenders are presenting rates either at 6.875% or 7.0%. It’s important to keep in mind that this figure is a general indicator for top-tier borrowers and that individual rates can vary greatly depending on specific circumstances.
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