[Mortgage Minute] Week of Feb. 13, 2017

Trump: Tax Cut Proposal Coming Soon President Trump commented last Thursday that he is expecting to give initial details on proposed tax cuts in two to three weeks.

[Mortgage Minute] Week of Oct 31, 2016

European Data Pushes Rates Up When it comes to the bond market, good economic news is bad news for rates.  In the UK, third quarter GDP growth was stronger than expected, and Spain’s unemployment rate declined more than expected.

[Mortgage Minute] Week of Aug. 22, 2016

Fed Debates Next Move The mortgage market was a bit jumpy last week in response to the mixed Fed messages that began on Tuesday with an unexpectedly “pro rate hike” speech from the Fed’s Dudley.

[Mortgage Minute] Week of July 18, 2016

Stock Rally Pushes Rates Up With long-term bond yields at or near record low levels following the Brexit vote on June 23, investors decided this week that stocks had become relatively more attractive than bonds.

[Mortgage Minute] Week of July 11, 2016

Rates Drop Despite Big Job Number Under normal circumstances, a big positive job number like the one we saw on Friday, would have sent mortgage rates upward.   

[Mortgage Minute] Week of June 27, 2016

Rates Drop on News of “Brexit” A shocking British vote to exit the European Union sent both stocks and mortgage rates much lower on Friday. While the final polls ahead of the vote were close, the vast majority of investors expected the UK to vote to remain in the European Union.

[Mortgage Minute] Week of June 6, 2016

Rates Helped by Weak Jobs Report The important monthly jobs report released on Friday was a big disappointment. Against a consensus forecast of 160K, the economy added just 38K jobs in May, which was the lowest level since September 2010.

[Mortgage Minute] Week of May 30, 2016

Hot Housing Market, Strong Durable Goods = Rake Hike Coming Soon The market for both previously owned homes and newly built homes saw their best activity in years. Improved labor market conditions and low mortgage rates are a great combination to support a very active housing market.