DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Wall Street is bullish on mortgage-backed securities for their juicy yields and attractive fundamentals
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

For investors looking for high-quality income with the potential for significant total return, agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) may be the answer. Fitting MBS into your portfolio In fact, Atluri believes agency MBS are more attractive than investment-grade corporate right now. In addition, agency mortgage-backed securities also trade defensively if the economic outlook were to worsen, he added. About 25% of core bond fund holdings are in mortgage-backed securities, according to Morningstar. "Mortgage-backed securities didn't do as well [as investment grade] last year," said Wei Li, BlackRock's global chief investment strategist.

Persons: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, Jason Smith, Neuberger Berman, Smith, Michael Kessler, Kessler, Pramod, Atluri, Morningstar, Wei Li, Albion's Kessler Organizations: Agency MBS, U.S ., MBS, Mortgage News, Albion Financial Group, Federal Reserve, Capital Group, Fund of America, BlackRock

But 2024 may be better for some of these buyers as mortgage rates go down and borrowers are able to carve out a bit of affordability. Even small decreases in rates can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings on the average monthly mortgage payment. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 15-year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 5.76%, an 11-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: they've, Fannie Mae, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

After dropping substantially toward the end of 2023, mortgage rates are expected to go down further in 2024. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.60% last week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 5.76% last week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is an 11-basis-point drop from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit.

Persons: they've, Freddie Mac Organizations: Fed, Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

So far this month, mortgage rates have been holding relatively steady after dropping down to an average of 6.43% in December, according to Zillow data. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. This is good news for mortgage rates — as inflation slows and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to trend down as well. Fannie Mae researchers expect prices to increase 3.2% in 2024, while the Mortgage Bankers Association expects a 4.1% increase in 2024.

Persons: homebuyers, Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae Organizations: Strategic Research, Zillow, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

☆ Spirit Airlines jumps 30% after raising fourth-quarter forecast
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Leslie Josephs | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Spirit Airlines on Friday raised its financial forecast for the fourth quarter of 2023, sending shares soaring more than 30% after a rout earlier this week that followed a judge's ruling that blocks JetBlue Airways from buying the budget carrier. Spirit said in a filing that it expects revenue to come in at about $1.3 billion, at the high end of its earlier forecast, thanks to strong bookings at the end of the year. The airline said in the filing that it had $1.3 billion of liquidity at the end of 2023. Spirit said Friday it expects compensation from Pratt & Whitney, a unit of RTX, in connection with that engine issue. Spirit plans to hold a quarterly call with analysts on Feb. 8 to discuss results and its outlook.

Persons: Spirit, Pratt Organizations: Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Pratt & Whitney, Airbus, Company

☆ Personal Loan Interest Rates Today, January 19 2024 | Refinance High-Interest Debt
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Business Insider | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Our experts answer readers' personal loan questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess personal loans). Here are the leading rates for personal loans on Friday, January 19. Compare Personal Loan RatesLeading Personal Loan RatesPersonal loan rates vary depending on the lender and on the credit profile of the person applying to borrow money, but many lenders are advertising strong rates right now for the right borrower. Here are the lenders offering the lowest rates today:Safeguard your credit score, and check for your personalized loan rates before you apply. Products in this post: Upstart Personal LoanAmerican Express Personal LoanReach Financial Personal LoanProsper Personal Loan

Organizations: Credit

☆ Troubled Spirit Airlines’ shares rebound despite more losses ahead
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The discount airline said in the filing that it expects to beat analysts’ expectations for the end of the year. Shares of Spirit fell 47% in trading Tuesday after the court blocked the acquisition by JetBlue and another 22% on Wednesday. Other analysts didn’t predict bankruptcy or liquidation, but still forecast a difficult course for Spirit trying to make it on its own. It put its operating losses between $158 million to $172 million, down from the $178 million operating loss in the third quarter, and better than forecasts of a $197 million loss. Following $1 billion in losses in 2020 and 2021, the company lost $264 million in the first nine months of 2023.

Persons: Spirit, Cowen, Helane Becker, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, JetBlue, Airbus, JPMorgan Locations: New York

☆ What broke the American Dream for Millennials
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

For their nine-month-old son, Miles, Rachael and Garrett agree: They’re not going to push him to pursue the same path. “This is the American Dream,” Rachael says. The nest egg mythA common refrain Millennials heard from their Boomer parents is that buying is always better than renting. Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg/Getty ImagesCentral to the pitch of the American Dream is a house. “I don’t think anyone could have foreseen house prices going up 20% or 30% in a three-year period,” Garrett says.

Persons: Pennsylvania CNN — Rachael Gambino, Garrett Mazzeo, —, Miles, Rachael, Garrett, They’re, ’ ”, ” Rachael, Kristen Gambino, Rachael Gambino, Deborah Brunswick, John General, America it’s, Brendan Duke, Baby, Millennials, gumming, Obama, ”, Louis, Boomer, Luke Sharrett, they’d, ” Garrett, they’re, homeownership, We’re, “ we’re, That’s, Duke, ” Duke, “, Camerota, Matthew Friedman Organizations: Pennsylvania CNN, “, CNN, Center for American Progress, of Education, America, Federal Reserve Bank of St, Bloomberg, Getty, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Workers, Center, American Progress ’ Locations: Lansdale, Pennsylvania, America, United States, Attom, financials

The expectation of lower mortgage rates and higher demand means this year's homebuying season is shaping up to be a busy one. Though mortgage rates are expected to go down in 2024, there's no guarantee of when exactly they'll start to drop. Currently, average 30-year mortgage rates are down from their fall 2023 peak and have generally been hovering below 6.5% this month. Mortgage rates don't directly follow the Fed's benchmark rate, but investor expectations of how Fed moves could impact the broader economy can push mortgage rates up or down. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: there's, Christopher Waller, Waller, they'll, you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Brookings Institution, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

☆ I sold my house in Austin for full price in 2 months thanks to patience and some homework
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Cork Gaines | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Selling a house in this market can be tricky with high mortgage interest rates and steep prices. AdvertisementSelling a home for a good price in this housing market can be challenging but not impossible. What's more, mortgage interest rates remain high compared to several years ago but have dropped slightly recently. Buyers can still beat current interest ratesMeanwhile, some potential buyers are finding creative ways to avoid high interest rates and purchase homes. While nothing is guaranteed with interest rates, this is exactly what the Fed is projected to do, holding interest rates steady in the first part of 2024 before starting to lower rates later in the year.

Persons: —, Cork, there's, Gary Miller, Austin Organizations: Austin, Service, Cork Gaines, Brigade, National Association of Realtors Locations: Austin

☆ Analyst: Spirit Airlines could be forced out of business after JetBlue deal is blocked
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

New York CNN —Spirit Airlines could end up in bankruptcy and be forced out of business because of a federal court decision to block a proposed sale to JetBlue Airways, according to a note from an airline analyst. “We believe Spirit will first look for an alternative buyer, but another airline may get the same pushback [from antitrust regulators. Its fares prompted major airlines to offer a certain number of no-frills “basic economy” seats on their planes. It also prompted concerns that its purchase by JetBlue would lead to higher fares across the industry — concerns which resulted in the Justice Department’s antitrust case that blocked the deal. “While we are disappointed with this [court decision] outcome, we are confident in our strengths and strategy,” said a company statement sent to CNN.

Persons: Helane Becker, Cowen, “, ”, Becker, General Merrick Garland, Pete Buttigieg, ” Buttigieg, Fitch, it’s, William Young Organizations: New, New York CNN — Spirit, JetBlue Airways, JetBlue, Transportation, Refinitiv, JPMorgan Chase, CNN, Airbus, Boeing, lessors, Federal, Spirit Locations: New York, Spirit’s, U.S

☆ Mortgage demand surges more than 10% as lower interest rates lure homebuyers
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

(Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)Another drop in mortgage interest rates caused a run on loans last week. Mortgage rates were about half a percentage point (52 basis points higher) one year ago. Nakita Bell, who is currently renting in Detroit, said the recent drop in rates prompted her to consider buying. Lower rates are also giving some current homeowners an opportunity to save money. While the vast majority of current borrowers have rates lower than those offered today, the recent drop is still having some effect on those whose loans carry higher rates.

Persons: Homeownership, Joe Biden, ROBERTO SCHMIDT, Joel Kan, Nakita Bell, I'm Organizations: AFP, Getty, Mortgage Locations: Clarksburg , Maryland, Detroit

As the Fed is able to start lowering its benchmark rate, mortgage rates should go down further in 2024. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Mortgage Rates for Buying a Home30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Drop Slightly (-0.17%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.18%, down 17 basis points since this time last week. 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Fall (-0.27%)The average 20-year fixed mortgage rate is down somewhat from last week, and is sitting at 5.69%. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Decrease (-0.27%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.39%, also down 27 points from last week.

Persons: Christopher Waller, Waller, you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: Federal Reserve, Brookings Institution, Federal, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

Last year, it seemed like rates would never stop climbing, with 30-year mortgage rates reaching a more than two-decade high in October 2023. The latest housing market predictions for 2024 see home prices rising this year as lower mortgage rates drive an increase in homebuying demand. High mortgage rates have kept a lot of would-be buyers out of the market over the past couple of years. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: you'll, Freddie Mac, they've, it's Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

☆ The biggest risks US businesses face in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

But, while businesses have plenty to be grateful for and much to be optimistic about, the coast isn’t clear. Last week, surveys from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and The Conference Board detailed the biggest risks that businesses are currently worried about. Here are some of the biggest risks for American businesses in 2024. Those financial stresses can reduce the willingness of banks to lend to others businesses and also to consumers,” she said. Bank earnings look really bad this quarter.

Persons: there’s, “, John Maynard Keynes, ”, ” Dana Peterson, Bill Dunkelberg, ” Peterson, ” Suzanne Clark, We’re, Mike Johnson, Chuck Schumer, Fitch, Clark, JPMorgan Chase, Nicole Goodkind, Krystal Hur, FactSet, Martin Luther King Jr, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, DC CNN, Federal, National Federation of Independent Business, Board, US, of Commerce, of American, Conference Board, Conference, CNN, Fed, Corporate, US Chamber of Commerce, chamber’s State of American, AAA, Moody’s Investors Service, US Chamber, Commerce’s, Google, Citigroup, Bank, JPMorgan, FactSet, Revenue, Profit, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Valley Bank, Signature Bank, Bank of America, FDIC, Citi, China’s National Bureau of Statistics, Alcoa, National Statistics, US Commerce Department, US Labor Department, Federal Reserve, University of Michigan, National Association of Realtors Locations: Washington, Wells, Corporate America, chamber’s State, BlackRock, Amazon, Argentina, Japan

After dropping substantially toward the end of 2023, experts believe that mortgage rates will go down further in 2024. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 5.87% last week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a two-basis-point drop from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit. Once the Fed starts cutting rates, which is likely to happen this year, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: there's, Freddie Mac Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Despite the latest Consumer Price Index data coming in a bit hot according to Thursday's report, mortgage rates have been holding steady this week. Average 30-year mortgage rates remained in a tight 6.3%-to-6.45% range, only up a little bit from the previous week. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. This is good news for mortgage rates — as inflation slows and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to trend down as well.

Persons: We'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky, ARM Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates dropped substantially toward the end of last year, but it could be a few months before we see them ease further. This week, average 30-year mortgage rates inched up to 6.66%, according to Freddie Mac, a four-basis-point increase from the week before. Though we may need to wait a bit longer for the Fed to start cutting rates, once it does, mortgage rates should recede somewhat. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

☆ Some options trades for avoiding an asset bubble and other macroeconomic troubles
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-11 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

There are some trades for investors looking to avoid a possible asset bubble and other potholes that could be ahead. The standard 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose even further, a function of both the rising risk-free rate and the rising spread. Buying bonds has interest rate risk. Moreover, the spread between mortgage rates and Treasuries is unusually high. Risk-free rates stay static or even rise mildly, but if the spread narrows mortgage rates could fall, a tailwind for a mortgage portfolio.

Persons: There's, Murray Rothbard, Milton Friedman, Ben Bernanke, Bernanke's, Janet Yellen, Jerome Powell, Howard Marks, Charlie Munger, Berkshire Hathaway, Marks, Steve Eisman, Neuberger Berman, they've Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Federal Reserve Bank, Vanguard Value, Technology, MBS Locations: U.S, deflate, Berkshire

☆ Mortgage demand jumps nearly 10% to start the year, even as interest rates tick up again
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-10 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Homebuyers are facing a worsening affordability situation with mortgage rates hovering around the highest levels in more than a decade. Real estate agents, however, say they are starting to see a new surge in demand from buyers who were sidelined by the higher rate environment. More consumers also said they expect mortgage rates to fall further, according to a recent report from Fannie Mae. Mortgage rates increased again slightly to start this week, but remain in the 6% range. If it is higher than expected, signaling there is more to do to curb inflation, mortgage rates could move up even more.

Persons: Joel Kan, Fannie Organizations: Mortgage, New, CNBC PRO Locations: Hercules , California, Fannie Mae

☆ Mortgage demand down 9.4% for final week of 2023, despite recent drop in interest rates
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-03 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage demand ended 2023 on a sour note, despite a sharp drop in mortgage interest rates during December. Total application volume was down 9.4% for the week ended Dec. 29, compared with two weeks earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. The average rate on the 30-year fixed ended the year at 6.76%, lower than where it was two weeks ago, but higher than it was a week ago. The builders are a bright spot, especially because they can buy down mortgage rates, but new homes do come at a price premium. Mortgage rates started this week higher after also edging up on Friday.

Persons: Joel Kan, refinanced, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Federal Reserve, Mortgage News Daily, Reserve, CNBC PRO Locations: Miami , Florida

Rates have plunged in recent weeks, and 30-year mortgage rates are already half a percentage point down from their November average. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 15-year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 6.56% last week, an 11-basis-point drop from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. But experts believe the central bank is done raising rates, which means mortgage rates should ease somewhat. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: it's, you'll, Freddie Mac Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Average 30-year mortgage rates finally fell below 7% in mid-November, the first time they've been that low since late September. And as we head into 2024, mortgage rates are expected to fall even further as inflation continues to slow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 6.56% last week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is an 11-basis-point drop from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit.

Persons: they've, Freddie Mac Organizations: Zillow, Fed Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates have been steadily trending down for over a month now, and they plunged even further last week. As long as inflation continues to decelerate, mortgage rates should go down in 2024. Mortgage Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments.

Persons: Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky, ARM Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates fell dramatically last month, and they could drop further in 2024. Today, average 30-year mortgage rates are nearly 80 basis points down from where they were a month ago. As inflation continues to slow, mortgage rates should come down even more. This means that as long as inflation keeps decelerating, mortgage rates should come down. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Powell, you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Spelman College, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Atlanta, Chevron

Search resuls for: "Refinance"

25 mentions found