Conventional and Government (FHA and VA) lenders set their rates based on the pricing of Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) which are traded in real time, all day in the bond market. This means rates or loan fees (mortgage pricing) moves throughout the day, being affected by a variety of economic or political events. When MBS pricing goes up, mortgage rates or pricing generally goes down. When they fall, mortgage pricing goes up. Tracking these securities real-time is critical. For more information about the rate market, contact me directly. I’m among few mortgage professionals who have access to live trading screens during market hours.
Rates Currently Trending: Neutral
Mortgage rates are trending sideways this morning. Last week the MBS market improved by +27bps. This was enough to move rates lower last week. We saw a good deal of rate volatility throughout the week.
Today’s Rate Forecast: Neutral
Three Things: These are the three areas that have the biggest ability to impact mortgage rates this week. 1) Trade War, 2) Geopolitical and 3) The Fed
1) Trade War: The G-20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, will start on Friday and continue through the weekend. Leading up to that event, confirmation of scheduled meetings (number and length) between Trump and Xi as well as information about precisely what will and will not be discussed will have a significant impact on markets.
2) The Fed: We have a big week for speeches, including one from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. This is the Fed’s chance to steer the markets if they feel that market sentiment about the Fed’s path after last week’s FOMC inaction is misguided. Here is the schedule:
06/24 Dallas Fed Mfg, Chicago Fed Mfg
06/25 Powell, Bostic, Williams and Bollard (the lone NO vote last week)
06/27 Fed’s Balance Sheet
3) Geopolitical: There is a lot for markets to focus on this week. Iran-U.S. is heating up as President Trump says that even more sanctions are set to go into effect today. The Eurozone is still a basket of instability as the EU and Italy fighting over a budget and Brexit continues to be the soap opera that keeps on giving with wild news/tabloid stories on PM front-runner Borris.
Treasury Auctions this Week:
06/25 2 year note
06/26 5 year note
06/27 7 year note
Today’s Potential Rate Volatility: Average
We have several economic reports due out this week, but much of the focus will be on the trade war updates, Fed speeches, and Iran-US tensions. Rates will likely remain at elevated levels this week short of a resolution to any of the current issues, which is unlikely.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for the risks and benefits of locking your interest rate in today, contact your mortgage professional to discuss it with them.
Frustrated by a bad experience, Barbara began her real estate career with a goal of providing exceptional service. Our motto is "A Name Friends Recommend." If you have a great experience then you will want your friends and family to have that same great experience.
