DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Homeowners are tapping into home equity to get cash
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

That means homeowners are now collectively sitting on nearly $30 trillion in home equity, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve. Other reasons that borrowers gave for taking out a HELOC or home equity loan included debt consolidation and emergency cash management. Hidden source of valueA homeowner’s equity in their home can be a tremendous source of wealth. A homeowner’s equity will fluctuate over time as they make payments on their mortgage and real estate market dynamics impact the current value of the home. Mortgage balances stay high because of home equity loansNationally, mortgage balances remain near record highs as some people turn to home equity loans, rather than HELOCs, according to a quarterly report from TransUnion.

Persons: ”, Marina Walsh, ” Walsh, HELOC originations, Joe Mellman, Freddie Mac, Mellman Organizations: DC CNN, Louis Federal Reserve, Equity Lines of, Mortgage, Association, TransUnion, “, refinances Locations: Washington, originations, U.S

☆ Massive home-price appreciation might be the secret to keeping consumers afloat as savings dry up
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Phil Rosen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Homeowners' equity is the highest it's been in 25 years, which could provide a cushion as consumer savings dwindle. That trend could be set to continue as the massive accumulation of home equity provides a lifeline that consumers can tap into if things get tough. Bankrate data shows that home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, are currently carrying an average rate close to 7%. Home equity revolving credit balances climbed for the fourth straight quarter leading up to March 2023, which presents another factor that could help sustain consumer spending. Now, real estate accounts for about 25% of total household assets, and despite deteriorating savings, still-rising equity presents a potential path forward for consumers to keep spending, Quinlan and Seery said.

Persons: Tim Quinlan, Shannon Seery, that's, Quinlan, Seery Organizations: Soaring, Service, Homeowners, Federal Reserve Board, Wells Locations: Wells, Wall, Silicon, Wells Fargo

☆ Mortgage credit availability sinks to decade low
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

As if higher mortgage rates weren't enough, it was harder even to qualify for a mortgage in July than it has been in a decade, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. While availability for all loan types dropped, the component of the index for jumbo loans decreased the most, as banks face increasing liquidity issues. Jumbo loans cannot be sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, so they are usually held on bank balance sheets. Higher mortgage rates have caused demand for home loans to drop. A drop in cash-out refinance programs was a major component of the overall drop in credit availability.

Persons: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Joel Kan Organizations: Mortgage, Association

☆ Federal Reserve Meeting Fed Expected to Resume Rate Increases
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Jeanna Smialek | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

The Federal Reserve has already raised its benchmark rate, the federal funds rate, to a range of 5 to 5.25 percent to rein in inflation, which is showing signs of slowing. The average credit card rate was 20.44 percent as of July 19, according to Bankrate.com, up from around 16 percent in March last year, when the Fed began its series of rate increases. The average rate on new car loans in June was 7.2 percent, up slightly from the start of the year, according to Edmunds.com. The average rate for an identical loan was 5 percent the same week in 2022. But yields on money market funds offered by brokerage firms are even more alluring because they have tracked the federal funds rate more closely.

Persons: ”, Anna N’Jie, Bankrate.com, Matt Schulz, Jonathan Smoke, that’s, —, Freddie Mac, Ken Tumin, DepositAccounts.com Organizations: Federal Reserve, Federal, Fed, Re, LendingTree, Cox Automotive, Treasury, Savings Vehicles Savers, Consumers, DepositAccounts.com Locations: Chicago

☆ Another interest rate hike is likely coming from the Federal Reserve: Here are 5 ways it could affect you
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"Rising interest rates can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword," said Kelly LaVigne, vice president of consumer insights at Allianz Life. As the federal funds rate rises, the prime rate does, as well, and credit card rates follow suit. The average credit card rate is now more than 20% — an all-time high, while balances are higher and nearly half of credit card holders carry credit card debt from month to month, according to a Bankrate report. Student loans Federal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers aren't immediately affected by the Fed's moves. For now, anyone with existing federal education debt will benefit from rates at 0% until student loan payments restart in October.

Persons: Stefani Reynolds, they've, Kelly LaVigne, Brett House, WalletHub, Freddie Mac, Edmunds, Ivan Drury Organizations: Eccles Federal Reserve, Bloomberg, Getty, Reserve, Fed, WalletHub, Allianz Life, Columbia Business School, Treasury, Istock Locations: Washington, Edmunds

watch nowWhat the federal funds rate means for youWage growth hasn't been able to keep pace with higher prices for many Americans. Sarah Silbiger | ReutersThe federal funds rate, which is set by the central bank, is the interest rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. Here's a breakdown of how that affects consumers:Credit cardsSince most credit cards have a variable rate, there's a direct connection to the Fed's benchmark. As the federal funds rate rose, the prime rate did, as well, and credit card rates followed suit. Today's credit card rates are likely as high as they've been in decades.

Persons: Philipson, Sarah Silbiger, that's, Matt Schulz, they're, Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's Organizations: Eccles Federal Reserve, Washington , D.C, Reuters, LendingTree, Treasury, Istock, Getty, U.S . Department of Education Locations: Washington ,

☆ Federal Reserve Meeting Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged: Live Updates
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Jeanna Smialek | Joe Rennison | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

Credit card rates are closely linked to the Federal Reserve’s actions, which means consumers have seen those rates rise over the past year. After raising interest rates 10 times over the past 15 months, the Federal Reserve is expected to take a break on Wednesday and hold rates steady. The Federal Reserve has already raised its benchmark rate, the federal funds rate, to a range of 5 to 5.25 percent to rein in inflation, which is showing signs of slowing. Used-car rates were even higher: The average loan carried a 11 percent rate in May, up from 8.2 percent a year earlier. Home-equity lines of credit and adjustable-rate mortgages — which each carry variable interest rates — generally rise within two billing cycles after a change in the Fed’s rates.

Persons: ”, Anna N’Jie, Bankrate.com, Matt Schulz, Jonathan Smoke, Edmunds.com, that’s, —, Freddie Mac, Ken Tumin, DepositAccounts.com Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Re, LendingTree, Cox Automotive, Treasury, Savings Vehicles Savers, Consumers, DepositAccounts.com Locations: San Francisco .

☆ Fed Expected to Pause Rate Increases: Live Updates
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Jeanna Smialek | Joe Rennison | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

The Federal Reserve has already raised its benchmark rate, the federal funds rate, to a range of 5 to 5.25 percent to rein in inflation, which is showing signs of slowing. The average credit card rate was 20.44 percent as of June 3, according to Bankrate.com, up from around 16 percent in March last year, when the Fed began its series of rate increases. The average rate on new car loans was 7.1 percent in May, according to Edmunds.com, up from 5.1 percent last year. Used-car rates were even higher: The average loan carried a 11 percent rate in May, up from 8.2 percent a year earlier. The average rate for an identical loan was 5.23 percent the same week in 2022.

Our experts answer readers' personal loan questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess personal loans). Secured personal loans are backed by collateral just like other types of secured loans, but for personal loans, they're a bit different. Compare Personal Loan RatesWhen is a line of credit better than a personal loan? Interest rates for personal lines of credit and credit cards tend to run higher, on average, than those for personal loans. Interest rates for personal lines of credit and credit cards tend to run higher, on average, than those for personal loans.

Persons: —, Dani Pascarella, Pascarella, You'll, might've, caterer Organizations: Service, Chevron

☆ The Federal Reserve may pause its interest rate hiking campaign. What that means for you
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

damircudic | E+ | Getty ImagesCredit card rates top 20%The federal funds rate, which is set by the U.S. central bank, is the interest rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. For starters, most credit cards come with a variable rate, which has a direct connection to the Fed's benchmark rate. As the federal funds rate rose, the prime rate did, as well, and these rates followed suit. Federal student loans are set to rise to 5.5%Federal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers aren't immediately affected by the Fed's moves. But as of July, undergraduate students who take out new direct federal student loans will see interest rates rise to 5.50% — up from 4.99% in the 2022-23 academic year and 3.73% in 2021-22.

Persons: that's, Bankrate, McBride Organizations: Getty, U.S, Treasury, Auto, U.S . Department of Education

AdvertisementAdvertisementThere's no limit on the number of times you can refinance your mortgage. If you have a government-backed mortgage, you may need to wait up to a year before you can refinance. Depending on your mortgage refinance lender and the type of refinance you're looking to do, you might need to wait between six months to a year to refinance. Average refinance closing costs in 2021 were $2,375, according to ClosingCorp. But if your mortgage refinance rate will only be lower by a tiny fraction of a percentage point, then refinancing could actually cost you money.

Persons: refinance, you'll, It's, isn't Organizations: Service Locations: Wall, Silicon

☆ Americans’ debt surpasses $17 trillion for the first time
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

To this point, credit card debt has been rising at the sharpest pace of any debt covered in the report, said Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst for Bankrate. Last year, 39% carried debt month to month. Increases in credit card debt can be a either sign of confidence or struggle, he added. “For the foreseeable future, we’re stuck with high credit card rates, high balances, and more people carrying debt,” he said. “My advice would be to pay down credit card debt, as quickly and cost effectively as possible.

☆ Fed report shows banks worried about conditions ahead, with focus on slowing economy and deposit outflows
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"Banks reported expecting to tighten standards across all loan categories," the report said. At the same time, the survey showed that demand weakened across most categories. In particular, the report showed "tighter standards and weaker demand" for commercial and industrial loans, an important bellwether for economic growth. Also, the report showed the same conditions across commercial real estate categories. Even with the banking troubles, the central bank last week decided to raise interest rates for the 10th time since March 2022.

The average interest rate on new-car loans was 7 percent in March, according to Edmunds, up nearly a percentage point from six months earlier. The average interest rate on new-car loans was 7 percent in March, according to Edmunds, up nearly a percentage point from six months earlier. The rate for current federal student loan borrowers isn’t affected because those loans carry a fixed rate set by the government. The average rate for an identical loan was 5.1 percent the same week in 2022. Home equity lines of credit and adjustable-rate mortgages — which each carry variable interest rates — generally rise within two billing cycles after a change in the Fed’s rates.

☆ Here's how the Federal Reserve's latest quarter-point interest rate hike impacts your money
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The Federal Reserve Bank building Kevin Lamarque | ReutersWhat the federal funds rate means to youThe federal funds rate, which is set by the U.S. central bank, is the interest rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. On the flip side, higher interest rates also mean savers will earn more money on their deposits. As the federal funds rate rises, the prime rate does, as well, and your credit card rate follows suit within one or two billing cycles. With this rate increase, consumers with credit card debt will spend an additional $1.7 billion on interest, according to an analysis by WalletHub. Interest rates for the upcoming school year will be based on an auction of 10-year Treasury notes later this month.

☆ Your mortgage and home loans: What to do now that the Fed just raised rates for the 10th time
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage has run north of 6% all year. As to where mortgage rates go next, look to inflation. If inflation keeps dropping, then mortgage rates are expected to drift lower too. The average home equity loan rate was running at 7.94% as of April 26, well above the 6.4% recorded in mid-April last year. If you are close to buying a home or refinancing one, it may be a good idea to lock in the lowest fixed rate available to you.

☆ The Federal Reserve is expected to hike rates one more time. What that means for you
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"Yet another rate hike from the Fed means today's sky-high credit card interest rates will rise even further in the very near future," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. Cardholders should expect their current cards' interest rates to rise in the next billing cycle or two, he said. Auto loan rates rose to more than 6.5%Even though auto loans are fixed, payments are getting bigger because the price for all cars is rising along with the interest rates on new loans. Federal student loans are already near 5%Wavebreakmedia | Istock | Getty ImagesFederal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers aren't immediately affected by rate hikes. Interest rates for the upcoming school year will be based on an auction of 10-Year Treasury notes later this month.

☆ Here's how to fund your side hustle without going broke
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

If you're starting a side hustle, there are many ways to invest in your skills without going broke. "Side hustles are a great way to dip your toes into the world of business," Loren, a Harvard alumna, said. Entrepreneurs should use those three months as proof of concept: Determine whether you have enough consistent sales to keep the business going. A side hustle allows you to be more conservative about the amount of capital you take since it's not a full-time business, Loren said. "The majority of capital that you're going to be seeking is probably going to be a small amount," Loren said.

☆ What happens during a ‘credit crunch’ — and how you can prepare for one
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

But what is a credit crunch and how might you prepare? Loans would be tougher to getDuring a credit crunch, banks significantly tighten their lending standards. Banks may prioritize a healthier balance sheetA credit crunch seems likely given banking woes that have unfurled over the past two weeks. A severe credit crunch isn't a foregone conclusion, though. How to prepare for a credit crunchThere are some steps consumers can take now to prepare for a possible credit crunch.

☆ The Federal Reserve is still expected to go through with a rate hike. What that means for you
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The federal funds rate, which is set by the central bank, is the interest rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. As the federal funds rate rises, the prime rate does, too, and credit card rates follow suit. After a prolonged period of rate hikes, the average credit card rate is now over 20%, on average — an all-time high — up from 16.34% one year ago. As the federal funds rate rises, the prime rate does, as well, and these rates follow suit. Federal student loans are already at 4.99%Federal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers aren't immediately affected by rate hikes.

Is a HELOC a good idea in 2023, and how can borrowers find the best HELOC lenders? How much you could borrow with a HELOCAccording to Boyd, the average credit line size a HELOC borrower gets is around $150,000. To find out the maximum amount you could borrow with a HELOC, multiply your home's current value by your HELOC lender's maximum CLTV. For example, Boyd says that some HELOC lenders can take 50 days or more to close. So as you start your search for a good HELOC lender, it might be worth checking out what your current bank offers.

☆ Cash-strapped homeowners are swarming to HELOCs at the fastest rate in more than a decade to pay for food, gas, and renovations
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Higher mortgage rates have curbed cash-out refinancing, one way of tapping the equity. HELOC rates have climbed, too, but homeowners have flexibility with how much financing they buy versus taking out a 30-year loan on the house. HELOC rates averaged 7.8% in mid February. High mortgage rates have created a lock-in effect in the US housing market as the majority of US home loans were created with 30-year rates below 4%. Since October, when he bought the property and started renovations, the interest rate on his loan has increased from 6.5% to 7.5%.

☆ More people will make thousands by selling stakes in their homes to Wall Street firms, according to one company that already sees elevated interest from homeowners
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

But high mortgage rates are making it difficult for homeowners to take advantage of this wealth. Home equity investments are a way to raise cash without taking out a new loan. However, higher mortgage rates have made it more difficult for Americans to take advantage of this wealth. He said the company foresees "strong demand" for the home equity investments in the coming months. According to a Redfin analysis of government data, 85% of US homeowners tote a mortgage rate far below today's level of 6%.

☆ Here's what the Federal Reserve's 25 basis point interest rate hike means for your money
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

The federal funds rate, which is set by the U.S. central bank, is the interest rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. "Credit card interest rates are already as high as they've been in decades," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. As the federal funds rate rises, the prime rate does, as well, and your credit card rate follows suit within one or two billing cycles. "A 0% balance transfer credit card remains one of the best weapons Americans have in the battle against credit card debt," Schulz advised. The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is now around 6.4% — up almost 3 full percentage points from 3.55% a year ago.

☆ The Fed just raised interest rates 25 basis points—why they'll stay high and what it means for your money
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Federal Reserve increased the federal funds rate by 25 basis points Wednesday, further increasing how much you'll likely pay on mortgages, auto financing, credit cards and loans. With its eighth consecutive hike, the federal funds rate — which influences the interest rates banks charge — has been raised to a range of 4.5% to 4.75%. "The impact of a single, quarter-point interest rate hike is pretty minimal, but when we look at the cumulative effect of rate increases, the impact on households becomes clear," says Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst Greg McBride. Interest rate hikes are meant to reduce inflation by making the costs of borrowing more expensive, but they also slow economic growth, which can lead to a recession. For that reason, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reaffirmed his commitment to keeping interest rates elevated until inflation is further tamed.

Search resuls for: "Equity Lines of"

25 mentions found