Here's your Daily Commentary report compliments of Jeff Drew and Star Mortgage!
Wednesday’s bond market has opened down slightly with no relevant economic new scheduled for release today. The stock markets are showing minor gains with the Dow up 17 points and the Nasdaq up 5 points. The bond market is currently down 3/32, but we will still likely see an improvement in this morning’s mortgage rates of approximately .250 - .375 of a discount point due to continued strength during afternoon trading yesterday.
Fed Chairman Bernanke is in the second stage of his semi-annual testimony to Congress on the status of the economy and monetary policy by testifying to the Senate Banking Committee today. There is little likelihood of him saying anything different from yesterday’s testimony. Therefore, I am expecting little reaction in the markets and mortgage rates this morning or afternoon.
Tomorrow brings us the release of June’s Existing Home Sales figures from the National Association of Realtors. This report gives us a measurement of housing sector strength and mortgage credit demand, but it is not considered highly important and often has a minimal impact on mortgage rates. Current forecasts are calling for an increase from May’s sales totals. A smaller than expected increase or a decline in sales would be considered good news for bonds and mortgage rates because a weak housing sector would make it difficult for the economy to recover anytime soon. However, unless this data varies greatly from forecasts it probably will not lead to much of a change in rates.
The Labor Deportment will post weekly unemployment numbers early tomorrow morning. They are expected to show that 558,000 new claims for benefits were filed last week. This would be a sizable increase from the previous week’s 522,000 claims, which would be considered good news for bonds and mortgage rates. However, this data is not considered to be highly important to the markets because it tracks a short period of claims. So unless it varies greatly from forecasts it probably will have little influence on tomorrow’s mortgage rates.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. See testimonials. Call me 800-941-5616 or email me with questions: jeff@starmortgage.com
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Massachusetts Mortgage Rate Commentary 07/21/2009
Here's your Daily Commentary report compliments of Jeff Drew and Star Mortgage!
Tuesday’s bond market initially opened in negative territory but has since rallied well into positive ground. The stock markets are mixed with the Dow up 60 points and the Nasdaq down 3 points. The bond market is currently up 19/32, which will likely improve this morning’s mortgage rates by approximately .250 - .375 of a discount point.
Today’s bond rally is the result of Fed Chairman Bernanke’s semi-annual testimony to Congress on the status of the economy and monetary policy. He stated that the economy’s slowdown has slowed significantly, meaning the recession may be ending relatively soon. But he cautioned that there is uncertainty ahead for the economy and strengthening may be gradual. He also sated that the labor market remains weak and that the unemployment rate will likely remain higher than they would prefer until 2012 or later.
The weak employment and housing markets should help keep inflation under control in the near future, making long-term securities such as mortgage-related bonds more attractive to investors. This led to the surge in bond prices this morning and pushed today’s mortgage rates lower. And if bond prices continue to rise, we may even see more improvements in rates later today. In other words, today’s events were extremely favorable to mortgage shoppers.
Mr. Bernanke will repeat this act tomorrow to the Senate Banking Committee, likely with little change to his prepared testimony. Therefore, his words are not expected to have much of an impact on the markets unless an answer to a Senator’s question surprises traders or contradicts something portrayed today.
There is no relevant economic data scheduled for release tomorrow to influence bond trading or mortgage rates. This should be good news for mortgage rates as today’s rally may continue into tomorrow’s trading with nothing on the calendar that has the potential to derail it.
The next monthly economic data comes from the National Association of Realtors Thursday morning when they post June’s Existing Home Sales figures. This report gives us a measurement of housing sector strength and mortgage credit demand, but it is not considered highly important and often has a minimal impact on mortgage rates. Current forecasts are calling for an increase from May’s sales totals. A smaller than expected increase or a decline in sales would be considered good news for bonds and mortgage rates because a weak housing sector would make it difficult for the economy to recover anytime soon. However, unless this data varies greatly from forecasts it probably will not lead to much of a change in rates.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Float if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. See testimonials. Call me 800-941-5616 or email me with questions: jeff@starmortgage.com
Tuesday’s bond market initially opened in negative territory but has since rallied well into positive ground. The stock markets are mixed with the Dow up 60 points and the Nasdaq down 3 points. The bond market is currently up 19/32, which will likely improve this morning’s mortgage rates by approximately .250 - .375 of a discount point.
Today’s bond rally is the result of Fed Chairman Bernanke’s semi-annual testimony to Congress on the status of the economy and monetary policy. He stated that the economy’s slowdown has slowed significantly, meaning the recession may be ending relatively soon. But he cautioned that there is uncertainty ahead for the economy and strengthening may be gradual. He also sated that the labor market remains weak and that the unemployment rate will likely remain higher than they would prefer until 2012 or later.
The weak employment and housing markets should help keep inflation under control in the near future, making long-term securities such as mortgage-related bonds more attractive to investors. This led to the surge in bond prices this morning and pushed today’s mortgage rates lower. And if bond prices continue to rise, we may even see more improvements in rates later today. In other words, today’s events were extremely favorable to mortgage shoppers.
Mr. Bernanke will repeat this act tomorrow to the Senate Banking Committee, likely with little change to his prepared testimony. Therefore, his words are not expected to have much of an impact on the markets unless an answer to a Senator’s question surprises traders or contradicts something portrayed today.
There is no relevant economic data scheduled for release tomorrow to influence bond trading or mortgage rates. This should be good news for mortgage rates as today’s rally may continue into tomorrow’s trading with nothing on the calendar that has the potential to derail it.
The next monthly economic data comes from the National Association of Realtors Thursday morning when they post June’s Existing Home Sales figures. This report gives us a measurement of housing sector strength and mortgage credit demand, but it is not considered highly important and often has a minimal impact on mortgage rates. Current forecasts are calling for an increase from May’s sales totals. A smaller than expected increase or a decline in sales would be considered good news for bonds and mortgage rates because a weak housing sector would make it difficult for the economy to recover anytime soon. However, unless this data varies greatly from forecasts it probably will not lead to much of a change in rates.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Float if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. See testimonials. Call me 800-941-5616 or email me with questions: jeff@starmortgage.com
Monday, July 20, 2009
Mortgage Rate and Commentary 07-20-2009
Here's your Daily Commentary report compliments of Jeff Drew and Star Mortgage!
Monday’s bond market has opened down slightly following stronger than expected economic news and minor gains in stocks. The stock markets are starting the week in positive territory with the Dow up 22 points and the Nasdaq up 5 points. The bond market is currently down 2/32, which should keep this morning’s mortgage rates at Friday’s levels.
The Conference Board, who is a New York-based business research group, reported that their Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) rose 0.7% last month. Analysts were expecting a 0.5% increase, meaning that the index is predicting more economic activity over the next three to six months than many had thought. That news is considered bad for bonds, but fortunately this index is considered to be only moderately important to bonds and mortgage rates.
There is no relevant economic data scheduled for release tomorrow, but Fed Chairman Bernanke will speak before the House Financial Services Committee. This is day one his semi-annual testimony on the Fed’s monetary policy and the status of the economy. He will speak to the Senate Banking Committee Wednesday morning. Analysts and traders will be watching his words closely for any hint of the Fed’s next move with key interest rates. They will likely create a great deal of volatility in the markets during the testimony and the question and answer session that follows.
If his testimony indicates that inflation is a point of concern or that the economy looks to recover sooner than thought, we will likely see the bond market tank and mortgage rates rise. We usually see the most movement in rates during the first day of testimony as the Chairman’s prepared words for both appearances are quite similar to each other, meaning that the second day rarely gives us anything we did not hear during the first day.
Overall, this is a moderately significant week for the bond market and mortgage rates. If we get weaker than expected economic results and Chairman Bernanke’s words do not surprise the markets, we may see mortgage rates move lower for the week. However, if Mr. Bernanke’s testimony raises inflation concerns- rates may again move higher on the week.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. See testimonials. Call me 800-941-5616 or email me with questions: jeff@starmortgage.com
Monday’s bond market has opened down slightly following stronger than expected economic news and minor gains in stocks. The stock markets are starting the week in positive territory with the Dow up 22 points and the Nasdaq up 5 points. The bond market is currently down 2/32, which should keep this morning’s mortgage rates at Friday’s levels.
The Conference Board, who is a New York-based business research group, reported that their Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) rose 0.7% last month. Analysts were expecting a 0.5% increase, meaning that the index is predicting more economic activity over the next three to six months than many had thought. That news is considered bad for bonds, but fortunately this index is considered to be only moderately important to bonds and mortgage rates.
There is no relevant economic data scheduled for release tomorrow, but Fed Chairman Bernanke will speak before the House Financial Services Committee. This is day one his semi-annual testimony on the Fed’s monetary policy and the status of the economy. He will speak to the Senate Banking Committee Wednesday morning. Analysts and traders will be watching his words closely for any hint of the Fed’s next move with key interest rates. They will likely create a great deal of volatility in the markets during the testimony and the question and answer session that follows.
If his testimony indicates that inflation is a point of concern or that the economy looks to recover sooner than thought, we will likely see the bond market tank and mortgage rates rise. We usually see the most movement in rates during the first day of testimony as the Chairman’s prepared words for both appearances are quite similar to each other, meaning that the second day rarely gives us anything we did not hear during the first day.
Overall, this is a moderately significant week for the bond market and mortgage rates. If we get weaker than expected economic results and Chairman Bernanke’s words do not surprise the markets, we may see mortgage rates move lower for the week. However, if Mr. Bernanke’s testimony raises inflation concerns- rates may again move higher on the week.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. See testimonials. Call me 800-941-5616 or email me with questions: jeff@starmortgage.com
Monday, July 13, 2009
Mortgage Commentary 07-13-2009
Here's your Daily Commentary report compliments of Jeff Drew and Star Mortgage!
Monday’s bond market has opened flat as traders prepare for this week’s events. The stock markets are starting the week with early strength as the Dow has gained 80 points and the Nasdaq is up 9 points. The bond market is nearly unchanged from Friday’s close, but we will likely see an improvement in today’s mortgage rates of approximately .125 of a discount point due to strength in trading Friday afternoon.
There is no relevant economic news scheduled for release today. The rest of the week brings us the release of five important economic reports for the bond market to digest. Several of these reports are considered to be of high importance, meaning we will likely see volatility in the financial markets and mortgage pricing over the next several days. There are also plenty of corporate earnings releases scheduled for the stock markets this week along with the minutes from the last FOMC meeting.
The first relevant data comes early tomorrow morning when the Labor Department posts June’s Producer Price Index (PPI). The PPI is very important because it measures inflationary pressures at the producer level of the economy. It is expected to show a 0.8% increase in the overall reading and a 0.1% rise in the core data reading. The core reading is the more important of the two because it excludes more volatile food and energy prices. The bond market should react quite favorably if we get weaker than expected readings, but a larger than expected jump in the core reading could send mortgage rates higher tomorrow.
June’s Retail Sales report will also be posted early tomorrow morning. The Commerce Department is expected to say that sales at retail establishments rose 0.5% last month. This data is considered to be of high importance because it measures consumer spending. Consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the U.S. economy, so any related data is watched closely. A smaller than expected increase in sales could help fuel a bond rally and lead to lower mortgage rates, depending on the results of the PPI report.
Overall, I think we will probably see the most movement in mortgage pricing tomorrow or Wednesday due to the importance of the economic releases those days. The week’s corporate earnings also have the potential to heavily influence bond trading and mortgage rates via stock market swings. If the major earnings reports show better than expected results, we can expect to see the major stock indexes rally. This would lead to a shift of funds from bonds to stocks and in the process bonds will fall. The results would be higher mortgage rates. The other possibility is weaker than expected results from the key companies that would lead to stock selling and a bond market rally. One thing is a safe bet though- it will likely be an active week for the markets and mortgage rates. Accordingly, please proceed cautiously if still floating an interest rate.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. Contact me for details. Jeff@StarMortgage.com
Monday’s bond market has opened flat as traders prepare for this week’s events. The stock markets are starting the week with early strength as the Dow has gained 80 points and the Nasdaq is up 9 points. The bond market is nearly unchanged from Friday’s close, but we will likely see an improvement in today’s mortgage rates of approximately .125 of a discount point due to strength in trading Friday afternoon.
There is no relevant economic news scheduled for release today. The rest of the week brings us the release of five important economic reports for the bond market to digest. Several of these reports are considered to be of high importance, meaning we will likely see volatility in the financial markets and mortgage pricing over the next several days. There are also plenty of corporate earnings releases scheduled for the stock markets this week along with the minutes from the last FOMC meeting.
The first relevant data comes early tomorrow morning when the Labor Department posts June’s Producer Price Index (PPI). The PPI is very important because it measures inflationary pressures at the producer level of the economy. It is expected to show a 0.8% increase in the overall reading and a 0.1% rise in the core data reading. The core reading is the more important of the two because it excludes more volatile food and energy prices. The bond market should react quite favorably if we get weaker than expected readings, but a larger than expected jump in the core reading could send mortgage rates higher tomorrow.
June’s Retail Sales report will also be posted early tomorrow morning. The Commerce Department is expected to say that sales at retail establishments rose 0.5% last month. This data is considered to be of high importance because it measures consumer spending. Consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the U.S. economy, so any related data is watched closely. A smaller than expected increase in sales could help fuel a bond rally and lead to lower mortgage rates, depending on the results of the PPI report.
Overall, I think we will probably see the most movement in mortgage pricing tomorrow or Wednesday due to the importance of the economic releases those days. The week’s corporate earnings also have the potential to heavily influence bond trading and mortgage rates via stock market swings. If the major earnings reports show better than expected results, we can expect to see the major stock indexes rally. This would lead to a shift of funds from bonds to stocks and in the process bonds will fall. The results would be higher mortgage rates. The other possibility is weaker than expected results from the key companies that would lead to stock selling and a bond market rally. One thing is a safe bet though- it will likely be an active week for the markets and mortgage rates. Accordingly, please proceed cautiously if still floating an interest rate.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. Contact me for details. Jeff@StarMortgage.com
Mortgage Rate Commentary week of July 12
Here's your Daily Commentary report compliments of Jeff Drew and Star Mortgage!
This week brings us the release of five important economic reports for the bond market to digest. Several of these reports are considered to be of high importance, meaning we will likely see volatility in the financial markets and mortgage pricing over the next several days. There are also plenty of corporate earnings releases scheduled for the stock markets this week along with the minutes from the last FOMC meeting.
The first piece of data comes Tuesday morning with the release of June’s Producer Price Index (PPI). The PPI is very important because it measures inflationary pressures at the producer level of the economy. It is expected to show a 0.8% increase in the overall reading and a 0.1% rise in the core data reading. The core reading is the more important of the two because it excludes more volatile food and energy prices. The bond market should react quite favorably if we get weaker than expected readings, but a larger than expected jump in the core reading could send mortgage rates higher Tuesday. June’s Retail Sales report will also be posted Tuesday. The Commerce Department is expected to say that sales at retail establishments rose 0.5% last month. This data is considered to be of high importance because it measures consumer spending. Consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the U.S. economy, so any related data is watched closely. A smaller than expected increase in sales could help fuel a bond rally and lead to lower mortgage rates, depending on the results of the PPI report.
Next on tap is Wednesday’s release of June’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). It is a mirror of Tuesday’s PPI with the exception that the CPI measures inflation at the more important consumer level of the economy. Analysts have forecasted a 0.6% increase in the overall index and a 0.1% rise in the core data. The core data is also considered to be the key reading because it gives us a more stable measure of inflation. Higher than expected readings could raise inflation fears and push mortgage rates higher both days. June’s Industrial Production data will also be posted Wednesday morning. This data measures output and U.S. factories, mines and utilities, giving us an indication of manufacturing sector strength. It is expected to show a 0.6% decline in production, indicating that the manufacturing sector showed weakening conditions during the month. That is basically good news for bonds, however, with seasonal shutdowns and auto-related weakness likely included, a sizable decline should not surprise many.
Also worth noting about Wednesday is the release of the minutes from the last FOMC meeting. There is a possibility of the markets reacting to them following their 2:00 PM ET release, especially if they show some divisiveness by its members during discussion and voting at the last meeting or give any indication of the Fed’s possible next move with monetary policy.
There is no relevant monthly or quarterly data scheduled for release Thursday. Friday’s only relevant data is June’s Housing Starts report. This data gives us an indication of housing sector strength, but is not considered to be of high importance. Analysts are currently expecting to see a small decline in new starts of housing projects. However, I don’t see this data having much of an impact on mortgage rates Friday unless it varies greatly from forecasts.
Overall, I think we will probably see the most movement in mortgage pricing Tuesday or Wednesday due to the importance of the economic releases those days. The week’s corporate earnings also have the potential to heavily influence bond trading and mortgage rates via stock market swings. If the major earnings reports show better than expected results, we can expect to see the major stock indexes rally. This would lead to a shift of funds from bonds to stocks and in the process bonds will fall. The results would be higher mortgage rates. The other possibility is weaker than expected results from the key companies that would lead to stock selling and a bond market rally. One thing is safe bet though- it will likely be an active week for the markets and mortgage rates. Accordingly, please proceed cautiously if still floating an interest rate.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. Contact me for details. Jeff@StarMortgage.com
This week brings us the release of five important economic reports for the bond market to digest. Several of these reports are considered to be of high importance, meaning we will likely see volatility in the financial markets and mortgage pricing over the next several days. There are also plenty of corporate earnings releases scheduled for the stock markets this week along with the minutes from the last FOMC meeting.
The first piece of data comes Tuesday morning with the release of June’s Producer Price Index (PPI). The PPI is very important because it measures inflationary pressures at the producer level of the economy. It is expected to show a 0.8% increase in the overall reading and a 0.1% rise in the core data reading. The core reading is the more important of the two because it excludes more volatile food and energy prices. The bond market should react quite favorably if we get weaker than expected readings, but a larger than expected jump in the core reading could send mortgage rates higher Tuesday. June’s Retail Sales report will also be posted Tuesday. The Commerce Department is expected to say that sales at retail establishments rose 0.5% last month. This data is considered to be of high importance because it measures consumer spending. Consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the U.S. economy, so any related data is watched closely. A smaller than expected increase in sales could help fuel a bond rally and lead to lower mortgage rates, depending on the results of the PPI report.
Next on tap is Wednesday’s release of June’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). It is a mirror of Tuesday’s PPI with the exception that the CPI measures inflation at the more important consumer level of the economy. Analysts have forecasted a 0.6% increase in the overall index and a 0.1% rise in the core data. The core data is also considered to be the key reading because it gives us a more stable measure of inflation. Higher than expected readings could raise inflation fears and push mortgage rates higher both days. June’s Industrial Production data will also be posted Wednesday morning. This data measures output and U.S. factories, mines and utilities, giving us an indication of manufacturing sector strength. It is expected to show a 0.6% decline in production, indicating that the manufacturing sector showed weakening conditions during the month. That is basically good news for bonds, however, with seasonal shutdowns and auto-related weakness likely included, a sizable decline should not surprise many.
Also worth noting about Wednesday is the release of the minutes from the last FOMC meeting. There is a possibility of the markets reacting to them following their 2:00 PM ET release, especially if they show some divisiveness by its members during discussion and voting at the last meeting or give any indication of the Fed’s possible next move with monetary policy.
There is no relevant monthly or quarterly data scheduled for release Thursday. Friday’s only relevant data is June’s Housing Starts report. This data gives us an indication of housing sector strength, but is not considered to be of high importance. Analysts are currently expecting to see a small decline in new starts of housing projects. However, I don’t see this data having much of an impact on mortgage rates Friday unless it varies greatly from forecasts.
Overall, I think we will probably see the most movement in mortgage pricing Tuesday or Wednesday due to the importance of the economic releases those days. The week’s corporate earnings also have the potential to heavily influence bond trading and mortgage rates via stock market swings. If the major earnings reports show better than expected results, we can expect to see the major stock indexes rally. This would lead to a shift of funds from bonds to stocks and in the process bonds will fall. The results would be higher mortgage rates. The other possibility is weaker than expected results from the key companies that would lead to stock selling and a bond market rally. One thing is safe bet though- it will likely be an active week for the markets and mortgage rates. Accordingly, please proceed cautiously if still floating an interest rate.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. Contact me for details. Jeff@StarMortgage.com
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Mortgage Rate Commentary 07/08/09
Here's your Daily Commentary report compliments of Jeff Drew and Star Mortgage!
Wednesday’s bond market has opened flat again as investors prepare for the events of the next couple of days. The stock markets are showing minor gains after yesterday’s afternoon sell-off. The Dow is currently up 28 points while the Nasdaq is nearly unchanged. The bond market is currently up 3/32, which will likely keep this morning’s mortgage rates near yesterday’s morning rates.
There is no relevant economic data scheduled for release yet again today. But we do have two issues that are quite relevant to bond trading and mortgage rates. The first is today’s 10-year Treasury Note auction. Results of the sale will be posted at 1:00 PM ET. If the sale was met with a strong demand from investors, particularly international buyers, we could see bonds rally during afternoon trading. The flip side is that a weak demand would indicate a waning interest in U.S. securities, making current bonds less appealing to investors. That likely would drive bond prices lower and mortgage rates higher this afternoon.
The second event is the release of quarterly earnings from Dow component Alcoa after the stock markets close today. They traditionally are the first major company to release earnings each quarter. If their results and forecasts fall short of expectations, we can expect to see stocks fall during after-hours trading and early tomorrow morning. The stock weakness could drive bonds higher as traders seek safe-haven in bonds. But if they beat forecasts, we will probably see stocks move higher, drawing funds from bonds and leading to higher mortgage rates in the morning.
The only semi-relevant economic data scheduled for release tomorrow morning are weekly unemployment figures from the Labor Department. They are expected to say that 600,000 new claims for unemployment benefits were filed last week. This would be a decline from the previous week’s total. However, this data usually has a limited impact on bond trading and mortgage rates since it gives us only a week’s worth of new claims. With no other relevant economic data on the calendar tomorrow and little news already posted this week, we may see a slightly stronger than usual reaction to the results. But I don’t see this data being a market mover tomorrow or significantly affecting mortgage rates.
Also tomorrow is the Treasury’s sale of 30-year Bonds. This sale is less likely to affect mortgage rates than today’s 10-year Note sale does, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore its results. The same principals apply as today’s sale—a strong demand is favorable for bonds while a lackluster interest could lead to bond weakness and potential increases to mortgage rates.
Friday morning gives us some factual monthly economic data for the markets to digest. Neither of the two reports are considered to be of high importance to the financial markets or mortgage rates, but do carry enough weight to cause some movement if their results vary greatly from forecasts. We will touch more on those in tomorrow’s commentary.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. Contact me for details. Jeff@StarMortgage.com
Wednesday’s bond market has opened flat again as investors prepare for the events of the next couple of days. The stock markets are showing minor gains after yesterday’s afternoon sell-off. The Dow is currently up 28 points while the Nasdaq is nearly unchanged. The bond market is currently up 3/32, which will likely keep this morning’s mortgage rates near yesterday’s morning rates.
There is no relevant economic data scheduled for release yet again today. But we do have two issues that are quite relevant to bond trading and mortgage rates. The first is today’s 10-year Treasury Note auction. Results of the sale will be posted at 1:00 PM ET. If the sale was met with a strong demand from investors, particularly international buyers, we could see bonds rally during afternoon trading. The flip side is that a weak demand would indicate a waning interest in U.S. securities, making current bonds less appealing to investors. That likely would drive bond prices lower and mortgage rates higher this afternoon.
The second event is the release of quarterly earnings from Dow component Alcoa after the stock markets close today. They traditionally are the first major company to release earnings each quarter. If their results and forecasts fall short of expectations, we can expect to see stocks fall during after-hours trading and early tomorrow morning. The stock weakness could drive bonds higher as traders seek safe-haven in bonds. But if they beat forecasts, we will probably see stocks move higher, drawing funds from bonds and leading to higher mortgage rates in the morning.
The only semi-relevant economic data scheduled for release tomorrow morning are weekly unemployment figures from the Labor Department. They are expected to say that 600,000 new claims for unemployment benefits were filed last week. This would be a decline from the previous week’s total. However, this data usually has a limited impact on bond trading and mortgage rates since it gives us only a week’s worth of new claims. With no other relevant economic data on the calendar tomorrow and little news already posted this week, we may see a slightly stronger than usual reaction to the results. But I don’t see this data being a market mover tomorrow or significantly affecting mortgage rates.
Also tomorrow is the Treasury’s sale of 30-year Bonds. This sale is less likely to affect mortgage rates than today’s 10-year Note sale does, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore its results. The same principals apply as today’s sale—a strong demand is favorable for bonds while a lackluster interest could lead to bond weakness and potential increases to mortgage rates.
Friday morning gives us some factual monthly economic data for the markets to digest. Neither of the two reports are considered to be of high importance to the financial markets or mortgage rates, but do carry enough weight to cause some movement if their results vary greatly from forecasts. We will touch more on those in tomorrow’s commentary.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. Contact me for details. Jeff@StarMortgage.com
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Mortgage Rate Commentary
Here's your Daily Commentary report compliments of Jeff Drew and Star Mortgage!
Thursday’s bond market has opened in positive territory following a weak opening on stocks. The stock markets are posting sizable losses with the Dow down 174 points and the Nasdaq 43 points. The bond market is currently up 9/32, which, with yesterday's late strength, should improve this morning’s mortgage rates by approximately .375 of a discount point compared to yesterday’s morning rates.
This morning’s economic data gave us mixed results, beginning when the Labor Department reported that the U.S. unemployment rose 0.1% last month to stand at 9.5%. This was slightly lower than the 9.6% that many analysts and market traders had expected and can be considered negative for bonds because it fell short of forecasts. However, the other two headline numbers from this report gave us favorable results and are making the biggest impact on bond trading this morning. The report showed that 467,000 jobs were lost during the month, exceeding forecasts of approximately 365,000. In addition, the reading that gives average hourly earnings showed no change from May’s level. This means that earnings did not rise when they were expected to move higher 0.1%. While the earnings data may not be good for workers, it shows that wage inflation is little threat at this time.
May’s Factory Orders data was released late this morning by the Commerce Department. It showed that combined orders for durable and non-durable goods rose 1.2% last month. This was also stronger than analysts’ forecasts and hints that manufacturing activity was better than expected. Fortunately, this data is not one of the most important reports we see each month and has not derailed this morning’s momentum from the employment figures.
Overall, the Employment report was favorable for bonds with the larger than expected decline in jobs taking center stage. The unemployment rate was somewhat of a disappointment, but it was still an increase from May’s rate. The average hourly earnings reading is the least important of the three but still gave us favorable results. The Factory Orders report was not favorable to bonds or mortgage rates, but it also has nowhere near the level of importance as the monthly Employment report. Therefore, today’s data can be considered good news for bonds and mortgage rates.
The financial markets will be closed tomorrow in observance of the Independence Day holiday and will reopen Monday morning. There will not be an early close in the bond market today, but I suspect that trading will be thin during afternoon hours as market participants head home for the holiday weekend. This means we should see a fairly quiet afternoon in bonds and mortgage pricing as long as no unexpected news surprises the markets.
Next week is very light in terms of relevant economic data being posted. This could leave the bond market and mortgage rates to the mercy of outside influences. There will be no update to this report tomorrow, but look for details on next week’s events in Sunday’s weekly preview.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. Contact me for details. Jeff@StarMortgage.com
Thursday’s bond market has opened in positive territory following a weak opening on stocks. The stock markets are posting sizable losses with the Dow down 174 points and the Nasdaq 43 points. The bond market is currently up 9/32, which, with yesterday's late strength, should improve this morning’s mortgage rates by approximately .375 of a discount point compared to yesterday’s morning rates.
This morning’s economic data gave us mixed results, beginning when the Labor Department reported that the U.S. unemployment rose 0.1% last month to stand at 9.5%. This was slightly lower than the 9.6% that many analysts and market traders had expected and can be considered negative for bonds because it fell short of forecasts. However, the other two headline numbers from this report gave us favorable results and are making the biggest impact on bond trading this morning. The report showed that 467,000 jobs were lost during the month, exceeding forecasts of approximately 365,000. In addition, the reading that gives average hourly earnings showed no change from May’s level. This means that earnings did not rise when they were expected to move higher 0.1%. While the earnings data may not be good for workers, it shows that wage inflation is little threat at this time.
May’s Factory Orders data was released late this morning by the Commerce Department. It showed that combined orders for durable and non-durable goods rose 1.2% last month. This was also stronger than analysts’ forecasts and hints that manufacturing activity was better than expected. Fortunately, this data is not one of the most important reports we see each month and has not derailed this morning’s momentum from the employment figures.
Overall, the Employment report was favorable for bonds with the larger than expected decline in jobs taking center stage. The unemployment rate was somewhat of a disappointment, but it was still an increase from May’s rate. The average hourly earnings reading is the least important of the three but still gave us favorable results. The Factory Orders report was not favorable to bonds or mortgage rates, but it also has nowhere near the level of importance as the monthly Employment report. Therefore, today’s data can be considered good news for bonds and mortgage rates.
The financial markets will be closed tomorrow in observance of the Independence Day holiday and will reopen Monday morning. There will not be an early close in the bond market today, but I suspect that trading will be thin during afternoon hours as market participants head home for the holiday weekend. This means we should see a fairly quiet afternoon in bonds and mortgage pricing as long as no unexpected news surprises the markets.
Next week is very light in terms of relevant economic data being posted. This could leave the bond market and mortgage rates to the mercy of outside influences. There will be no update to this report tomorrow, but look for details on next week’s events in Sunday’s weekly preview.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now...
©Mortgage Commentary 2009
* Please note that this information reflects just one opinion on the current market. If you have a mortgage rate and monthly payment you are comfortable with you may want to consider locking that rate. It is very difficult to predict the market in these very volatile times. Most lenders have a mortgage rate renegotiation policy. Contact me for details. Jeff@StarMortgage.com
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