Category Archives for "Mortgage Industry News"
The Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) data, showing an impressive figure of 353k against a predicted 180k, begs the question, “Is it genuine?” This figure, while not an intentional manipulation of the market, is inflated due to annual benchmark revisions. Thus, the job gains are “real,” but the NFP data presents an overstatement of the labor market’s resilience. This overstatement is evident in the yield, which, despite being higher than yesterday, is far lower than last week. The unusually high yield arises from an unstable rally yesterday. The market stability rests on a steady return to 2% inflation. Traders would be quick to believe in this return if a clear downturn in data were to occur. The recent jobs report, however, does not indicate any such downturn.
As for economic data and events, there’s the Nonfarm Payrolls, with this month and last month’s figures along with forecasted amounts: 353k vs 180k (forecasted), and last month revised to 333k from 216k. The unemployment rate stands at 3.7 compared to the predicted 3.8. Meanwhile, earnings stand at 0.6 vs a predicted 0.3, up from the previous 0.4.
Concerning market movements, a recap has us at 09:43 AM with a much weaker market following a strong jobs report, with MBS down 3/8ths and 10-year up 11bps at 3.993. At 11:18 AM, we noticed further weakening in Treasuries, with a 10-year up 16bps at 4.043 and MBS down half a point. Finally, at 03:06 PM, we hit the day’s weakest levels around 1pm, recovering slightly afterwards. The MBS landed just above half a point down, and the 10-year rose 14.7bps to 4.031.
Continue readingThe recent jobs report has had a dramatic impact on mortgage rates. The primary element of this report, nonfarm payrolls, performed notably better than predicted, clocking in at 353k instead of the projected 180k. Furthermore, December’s figures also saw an upward revision, from 216k to 333k. January’s job statistics, which were released today, often fluctuate greatly from forecasts due to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) annual introduction of new benchmarks. These benchmarks are based on the thorough enumeration of jobs carried out in March of the preceding year, taking into account the evolving nature of available jobs.
Consider, for example, the hypothetical scenario in which social media influencers suddenly become a prominent career choice, resulting in thousands leaving traditional employment. In the initial year, the lack of “social media influencer” mention in BLS benchmarks could lead to the appearance of significant job loss. However, during the comprehensive count in March, the prevalence of influencers would likely warrant a numerical revision. The BLS provides access to industry-specific changes via their website.
While these benchmark adjustments can’t fully account for today’s report’s extreme outcomes, they contribute to an explanation for the slightly more chaotic results seen in the face of the continually evolving post-pandemic economy. The rapid shifts in economic composition are likely to induce more instances of such volatility in future reports.
Continue readingEarlier today, the 10-year yield was on the verge of hitting new half-year lows. However, as we approached the 3 pm CME closing, we had to make do with the least yields since 28th December. Rapid gains were evident throughout this week, primarily fueled by apprehensions surrounding the regional banking sector, reminiscent of the turmoil experienced in March 2023. This has potentially played a more significant role in setting the rates than the economic data released this week. Given the Treasury supply updates, it would be fair to say that analytics have had a rather peripheral contribution. Hence, this week’s prime potential catalyst for market fluctuations is the forthcoming Friday’s jobs report.
Economic Data / Events
Unemployment Claims
Reported: 224k, Forecasted: 212k, Previous: 215k
ISM Manufacturing
Reported: 49.1, Forecasted: 47.0, Previous: 47.1
ISM Prices Paid
Reported: 52.9, Forecasted: 46.9, Previous: 45.2
Recap of Market Movement
08:34 AM: A slight dip overnight followed by a nominal bounce post-data. No change in MBS. A decrease of 1bp in the 10-year yield, placing it at 3.907.
10:18 AM: Minimal selling post ISM Data. A further decrease of 1.6bps in the 10-year yield, reaching 3.823. MBS dipped 1 tick.
11:39 AM: An abrupt rally initiated post 10:30 am due to regional bank volatility. 10-year yield dropped 7.5bps to 3.841. MBS rose 2 ticks (0.06), and potentially up to 4 ticks (.125) after accounting for liquidity.
03:47 PM: A slight drawback into 2 pm, but stabilizing now. 10-year yield decreased by 5.5bps to 3.861. MBS increased 1 tick (.03).
Continue readingIn the context of our discussion, the term “long-term” indicates a duration of approximately 7 to 8 months. Recently, mortgage rates have fallen to a point not witnessed since May 2023, excluding two occasions in late December. Hence, we could deduce that the current mortgage rates are equivalent to eight-month lows, even though they closely resemble the lows experienced during December.
This week’s significant decline has occurred, surprisingly, without any influence from the economic data we have been keenly awaiting. Instead, the U.S. Treasury’s encouraging revision of its borrowing strategies, a factor that potentially makes a substantial indirect impact on mortgage rates through modifying the demand-supply balance in the Treasury market and subsequently the mortgage market, gets the credit.
Friday morning’s jobs report presents an opportunity to observe a substantial fluctuation in rates prompted by economic data. As we approach the report, it’s important to note that the market forecasts a decrease in job count to 180k from the previous month’s 216k. If the number indeed drops, it could safeguard the low rates, and a dramatically lower figure could instigate new longer-term lows. On the other hand, if the figure surpasses 200k, the rates could potentially increase. In essence, the further from the forecast, the more substantial a reaction we can expect, with outcomes often deviating by roughly 100k.
Continue readingInterestingly, the Federal Reserve just eliminated a phrase that has been included in their statement since March 2023, stating that the banking system is stable and robust, only to have the banking system become the center of attention during the recent bond market surge. While bonds had already started gaining momentum this morning, the slump in regional bank stocks or the reporting on that slump significantly influenced them. Additionally, data has played a secondary role, with claims proving beneficial at 8:30 am and ISM slightly detrimental at 10 am.
Continue readingWhile today held the potential for massive fluctuations due to the Federal Reserve (Fed) announcement, the larger market movements weren’t a direct result of it. It’d be easy to attribute today’s substantial swings to the Fed, but in reality, the Fed can only claim responsibility for small oscillations between 2pm-3:59pm. The major rallies occurred during the morning hours for reasons already elaborated earlier and again in the afternoon hours because of month-end index extension buying. Overall, the impact of the Fed on the long end of the yield curve was minimal, even though it disrupted near-term Fed Funds Futures.
Key Economic Data and Events:
– The Employment Cost Index was 0.9, lower than the forecast of 1.0 and previous figure of 1.1.
– The Treasury made an announcement in line with expectations regarding the quarterly refunding auction size changes.
Market Movement Breakdown:
– There was an initial surge after the Employment Cost Index data and the Treasury refunding announcement leading to the NYSE opening at 10:49 AM. The 10-year yield was down 8.2bps at 3.954, with Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) increasing by a quarter point.
– The market remained near the best levels before the Fed’s announcement at 1:30 PM. The 10-year yield was down 7.5bps while MBS rose 7 ticks (.23).
– At 2:08 PM, the market weakened after the Fed announced no cuts until inflation control, though the 10-year yield was still down 5 bps at 3.986.
– Despite the back and forth following the Fed’s announcement, month-end buying brought bonds back to the day’s best levels by 4:08 PM. The 10-year yield was down nearly 11bps at 3.929, with MBS rising a quarter of a point.
Navigating the intricate connection between events and rate fluctuations can be a rigorous task. On a basic level, we observe a significant drop in rates on a day marked by Federal Reserve (Fed) activity. Predictably, one might link these lowered rates to some action by the Fed. Despite the presumption, the fact remains that the Fed did not reduce rates today. Furthermore, a change in the Fed rate does not automatically indicate a change in the 30-year fixed mortgage rates on the same day. However, mortgage rates often respond to other Fed commentary or press conference insights.
Interestingly, the Fed only stirred modest sideways movement in the core bond market later in the day. Noticeably lower mortgage rates had already been recorded earlier, primarily due to yesterday’s bond market advancements coordinated with more improvements this morning. The latter can be linked to economic data and developments about banking issues for NY Community Bancorp. The bond market also experienced an afternoon advancement, unsurprisingly unrelated to the Fed and more associated with end-of-month accounting activities. This is yet to impact many lenders’ rate charts.
In a nutshell, this all culminated in a favorable day for rates, as blank index of lenders recorded a significant drop for the first time in a while. Future gains now hinge on upcoming economic figures or unforeseen market-disturbing events, as demonstrated by today’s proceedings.
Continue readingCurrent data indicates a slowdown in the expansion of economic activities, slanting from its robust third-quarter rate. While employment increments have eased since early last year, they manifest strength, and the unemployment rates continue to hover low. Despite softening over the past twelve months, inflation persists at heightened levels. The U.S. banking sector showcases strength and adaptiveness, even amidst rising household financial and credit strains.
The Committee is intent on attaining optimal employment levels and regulating inflation within the confidence range of 2 percent over long-term periods. It conceives the risks of accomplishing its dual employment and inflation objectives may affect the balance of economic activity, job acquisition, and inflation management. The economic forecast is, as yet, uncertain, but the committee remains vigilant of inflation threats and is committed to achieving its employment and inflation targets.
The Committee has voted to sustain the target range for the federal funds rate between 5-1/4 and 5-1/2 percent and will keep evaluating any relevant data and how it impacts monetary policy. The course and magnitude of any necessary policy tightening to return to a 2 percent inflation rate will be influenced by evaluating incoming statistics, the evolving forecasting horizon, and surveying the balance and risks of monetary policy, time lag of its effect on economic activity and inflation, and economic and financial progress.
The Committee plans to keep the current aim range till it gains more certainty that inflation is progressing steadily towards 2 percent. It also will persist in lessening its Treasury securities, agency debt, and agency mortgage-backed securities holdings as per its previously established plans. The Committee is resolute in re-establishing an inflation rate of 2 percent.
In deciding the appropriate monetary policy stance, the Committee will consistently scrutinize the repercussions of incoming data on the economic prognosis. Any emerging risks that might hinder the Committee’s objectives will prompt an adjustment in the monetary policy stance. The Committee’s evaluations will integrate a broad spectrum of data, including labor market conditions, inflation pressures and expectations, and financial and international developments.
Continue readingIn light of upcoming reductions in rates by the Federal Reserve, it’s important to understand the possible impacts on various aspects of your personal finances. These include your credit card, mortgage rate, auto loan, and savings account.
Continue readingDespite the originally anticipated focus on the Treasury’s refunding statement this morning, it has been overshadowed by economic data, which itself has been superseded by bank-related news. Despite the hierarchy of events, there is an abundance of positive news related to rates in anticipation of this afternoon’s Federal Reserve update. The bank news is at the forefront, with the Employment Cost Index playing a secondary role, steering the mood favorably towards shorter-term rates. Although some may assert that investors expected a greater impact on short-term Treasury issuance, Federal Funds Futures highlight the bank-related news as the main focal point.
Continue reading