Category Archives for "Mortgage Industry News"
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, part of the Q1 GDP, took the market by surprise, displaying an unexpectedly robust performance. Although the overall GDP was reportedly lower than predicted, this was attributed to elements not linked to domestic consumption. After accounting for these factors, Q1 appears as resilient as preceding quarters. The PCE results were crucial due to its unexpectedly high value (3.7 against a forecast of 3.4), indicating that the subsequent monthly PCE data might also exceed expectations. This ‘preview’ outcome is a quarterly occurrence with the “advance” release of GDP.
On the jobs front, claim figures showed a slight decrease from the forecasted number with 207k jobless claims compared to the anticipated 214k and the previous 212k.
Economic data also showed a GDP of 1.6 compared to a forecast of 2.5 and the previous 3.4, and Q1 PCE Prices of 3.7 compared to the anticipated 3.4. Wholesale inventories also recorded a deficit with -0.4 compared to the forecasted +0.2.
In the market recap, bonds lost ground following the 8:30 am data with 10yr rates increasing by almost 5 basis points to 4.691, pushing the MBS down a quarter point. The effect tapered off slightly after 9.30 am, ending with no significant reaction to the 7-year Treasury auction in the afternoon.
In the late afternoon, markets remained largely flat at the existing levels, with the 10-year rate slightly up by 6bps at 4.702 and MBS down 10 ticks (.31). The source of the data was not disclosed in the summary.
Continue readingSeveral factors influence interest rates, among which inflation and Federal Reserve policies are of significant influence. The Federal Reserve’s preferred instrument for monitoring inflation is the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, which is released both monthly and quarterly. Interestingly, quarterly data typically precedes monthly data during the four periods in a year when quarterly reports are due. One such instance occurred recently, revealing a substantial spike in inflation. Consequently, it increases the likelihood of a higher-than-projected inflation figure in the following day’s monthly data. Interest rates typically react unfavorably to any increase in inflation, especially if it directly impacts Federal Reserve policies. The recent data reflect a potential delay in the Federal Reserve’s initial rate reduction for the current cycle. Consequently, the data and their implication on Federal Reserve policies have negatively affected current rates. Consequently, the average lender’s rate escalated by approximately one-eighth of a percentage point, pushing the top-tier standard 30-year rate index above 7.5% for the first time since November 13th. There’s a possibility of further increase tomorrow, however, if the market’s anticipation of negative news is only slightly unfavorable, the impact might not be as severe.
Continue readingThe bond market encounters a challenging morning as it attempts to align market movements with data interpretations. Despite reports suggesting lower rates, such as a GDP rate of 1.6 against 2.5, significant wholesale inventory misses, and unemployment claims approximating forecasts, a deeper examination reveals more complexity.
The quarterly GDP data is being reported for the first of three times this quarter. Within these details, the PCE price data provides a glimpse into tomorrow’s PCE inflation data. While the GDP report isn’t considered significantly impactful, PCE inflation certainly holds considerable weight. Notably, the PCE measurement in the reported data came in at 3.7 against 3.4. Given that a minor discrepancy of 0.1 can prompt considerable bond market fluctuation, this considerable overachievement might cause significant defensiveness in bonds unless the core PCE figure proves less severe the following day.
Stocks have also reacted unfavorably to the report due to its potential influence on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook. In instances when the market is actively reassessing its perspective on the Federal Funds Rate, a correlation not typically linked with stocks and bonds becomes more apparent.
This morning’s frailty signifies the initial significant surge above a 4.65 level, adding more energy to the uptrend dominating April’s landscape. This could perhaps mean an overturning of the 4.65 ceiling that seemed to limit this rise.
Continue readingWith an affinity for travel, I was intrigued to learn that the Department of Transportation is setting new regulations that will compel airlines to expediently offer refunds to passengers when flights are cancelled, delayed, or considerably altered. There’s an amusing irony in the fact that even mundane actions can lead to unexpected incidents. It’s commonplace for accidents to ensue when people carelessly leave their drinks on the floor then accidentally bump their heads on counters while reaching down. If only wealth could purchase caution as well, where assistance could be offered for such basic tasks.
In relation to real estate news, the question is being asked: who has a spare $65 million to invest in a property near Miami? The properties in question belong to Patrick Markert, notable for his work with AmeriSave. However, investing in real estate is not without its unique set of hindrances. For instance, a study reveals that while 55% of single female respondents say their greatest challenge is finding homes within their budget, 51% of single men cite that saving for the down payment is their primary issue.
Despite these disparities, there are common reflections shared by many. More than half of the respondents view the notion of waiting to buy a home with a significant other as antiquated. The majority of single home buyers manage their property purchase with no financial aid from family or friends for their down payment.
Regarding the mortgage market, this week’s discussion was sponsored by Calque. They offer The Trade-In Mortgage that enables homeowners to buy before selling, make non-contingent offers, and utilize their home equity to finance the down payment on their next home. A segment from yesterday’s Mortgage Matters show featured Jeff Juliane and Brett Ludden from Sterling Point Advisors giving their inputs on the M&A space and valuation strategies for mortgage companies.
Continue readingChristopher Gallo finds himself facing legal turmoil as he has been indicted on a single count of conspiracy for allegedly perpetrating bank fraud.
Continue readingConcerns over potential US Treasury sales in Japan and European economic statistics resulted in weakened bonds during the overnight trading session. Furthermore, the local session was characterized by the selling of US Treasuries, specifically the 5yr Treasury auction, which had minimal market impact as it was already foreseen. Complementarily, the Durable Goods report was consistent with expectations and did not affect trading levels. Overnight fragility continued throughout the day, with most fluctuations oscillating near recent high yields.
Economic Data/ Events
Durable Goods
Growth of 2.6 compared to a forecast of 2.5.
previous month corrected from 1.3 to 0.7.
Excluding defense and aircraft, it was 0.2 identical to the prediction.
The previous month’s figures were revised downwards from 0.7 to 0.4.
Market Movement Overview
09:06 AM: Overnight weakness plus flat morning economic data. 10yr yield escalated 4.1bps to 4.644. MBS dropped 6 ticks (.19).
10:51 AM: The lowest levels. MBS fell by 7 ticks (.22), and 10yr augmented by 5.6bps to 4.657.
01:04 PM: Non-eventful 5yr auction, without much market activity. MBS fell by 5 ticks (.16). 10yr increased by 4.8bps to 4.649.
03:55 PM: Almost no variation since the last update, remaining stagnant since the late mornings.
Continue readingThe real estate industry welcomes Satish Vishwakarma into its fold as he takes up a new role in the company. This transition culminates after an impressive twelve-year tenure at Ocwen Financial.
Continue readingDespite fluctuations in the bond market hinting at a larger increase, the typical mortgage lender managed to retain 30-year fixed rates close to those of the previous day. Usually, a weaker bond market would prompt higher rates, proportionate to this decline. However, rates only rose by a negligible 0.01% on average today, rather than the predicted hike of 0.03-0.05%. This resistance to increase can be attributed to lenders not fully leveraging the previous day’s boost in the bond market and integrating it into their rate offerings. To put it metaphorically, if lenders were artists, they received a new set of paint yesterday, but they neither had the time nor the desire to apply all of it to their canvas. Hence, despite a fraction of that paint being lost today, the overall picture remains nearly identical to what it was yesterday.
Continue readingStan Middleman articulated that individuals active in the housing loan sector should acclimate to the idea of protracted periods of increased rates. Please avoid mentioning the original source, Realtor.com, in the summary.
Continue readingRohit Chopra, the director of CFPB, has outlined the bureau’s commitment to take stern action against forbidden charges, misleading communications to property owners, and breaches of loss-prevention regulations.
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