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☆ What’s fueling this week’s record-breaking stock rally
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-27 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —The stock market is racking up record highs again. Investors are wasting no time moving into riskier assets from bitcoin to tech stocks after last week’s long-awaited rate cut from the Federal Reserve. Fresh data this week has offered further encouragement that the economy is on solid footing. Applications to refinance a mortgage soared 20% last week from the prior week, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data. Meanwhile, tech shares have continued to gain this week on rate cut optimism and after Micron reported strong earnings.

Persons: Dow, FactSet, ”, Gregory Daco, Freddie Mac, Bitcoin Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Dow, Nasdaq, Federal, Mortgage Bankers Association, Investors, Employers, Micron, Nvidia, Meta, Financial Times Locations: New York, China, Saudi Arabia

Unless the economic outlook changes, mortgage rates may hold steady for the rest of 2024. If they were to weaken unexpectedly, that could spur the Fed to cut rates more aggressively, which in turn could push mortgage rates down further. 5-Year Mortgage Rate TrendsHere's how 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates have trended over the last five years, according to Freddie Mac data. But now that inflation has decelerated and the Fed is expected to cut rates soon, mortgage rates have trended down. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, They've, they've, Freddie Mac, it's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Fed, Zillow, ARM, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Mortgage, Association Locations: Chevron

☆ It's refinancing time: Americans are already capitalizing on lower rates
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Kelly Cloonan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The Mortgage Bankers Association's refinancing index jumped 20.3% last week to its highest in two years. That comes as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipped 2 basis points to 6.13% last week. Mortgage rates have fallen recently amid Federal Reserve easing and expectations for further rate cuts. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! The surge in refinancing activity comes as mortgage rates fall as the market prices in expected easing from the Federal Reserve.

Persons: — Organizations: Mortgage, Reserve, Service, Fed, Federal Reserve, Business

☆ Mortgage refinance boom takes hold, as weekly demand surges 20%
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A steady decline in mortgage rates to two-year lows has current homeowners rushing to take advantage of potential savings. Applications to refinance a home loan surged 20% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. "As a result of lower rates, week-over-week gains for both conventional and government refinance applications increased sharply." Mortgage applications to purchase a home rose just 1% for the week and were 2% higher than the same week one year ago. Mortgage rates haven't moved much to start this week, and will likely wait for more pressing economic data later this week and at the start of October.

Persons: Joel Kan, Kan Organizations: Mortgage Locations: San Rafael , California

Mortgage rates for September 21, 2024, are around 5.70%, according to Zillow data. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowWhat Are Today's Mortgage Refinance Rates? 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. Current 30-Year Mortgage RatesAverage 30-year mortgage rates have increased slightly and are hovering around 5.70%, according to Zillow data. But now that inflation has decelerated and the Fed is expected to cut rates soon, mortgage rates have trended down.

Persons: Freddie Mac, it's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Labor Department, Zillow, Fed, Mortgage, Association, ARM, . Government Locations: Chevron, Government

Now that the Fed has cut rates, mortgage rates may not drop much further in the near term. But if the Fed doesn't lower rates as much as expected this year, mortgage rates may hold steady or even inch up. But rates are still expected to come down further, so it may also be worth waiting to see how low mortgage rates go. 5-Year Mortgage Rate TrendsHere's how 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates have trended over the last five years, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of different factors, including larger economic trends, Federal Reserve policy, your state's current mortgage rates, the type of loan you're getting, and your personal financial profile.

Persons: Lawrence Yun, you'll, they've, Freddie Mac, it's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Wednesday, National Association of Realtors, Consumers, Zillow, ARM, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Fed, Mortgage, Association Locations: Chevron

Stocks surged to open Thursday trading in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s announcement that it was lowering interest rates by half a percentage point. The Fed’s cut was widely expected, but came in larger than many analysts were forecasting. “The continued decline in mortgage rates is giving the mortgage market a much-needed boost,” Bob Broeksmit, the president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, said in a statement. At the same time, a growing set of indicators suggest economic growth may have begun heading in the wrong direction. “The Fed has signaled a high sensitivity to labor-market weakness,” Nomura Holdings financial group said in a note to clients Thursday.

Persons: Stocks, Jay Powell, ” Powell, It’s, “, Bob Broeksmit, ”, Powell Organizations: Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Fed, Mortgage Bankers Association, ” Nomura Holdings, Wall Street, Bank of America Locations: U.S

Mortgage rates came down again last week, and with the expectation that they could fall further, mortgage demand suddenly jumped, especially for refinancing. The Federal Reserve is expected to make its first interest rate cut in four years on Wednesday, and while mortgage rates don’t follow the Fed exactly, they are influenced by policy. “The most important takeaway is that lower mortgage rates are not only not remotely guaranteed by [the] Fed rate cut. “Application activity was up significantly last week, as market expectations of a rate cut from the Fed pulled mortgage rates lower,” said Joel Kan, an economist with the Mortgage Bankers Association. “Homebuyers are seeing improving affordability conditions, sparked by lower rates and slower home-price growth.”

Persons: Jerome Powell’s, They’re, ”, Matthew Graham, Joel Kan, ” Kan, “ Organizations: Federal, Mortgage News, Mortgage, Labor, Fed, Association

☆ Weekly mortgage demand surges 14% higher as interest rates hit two-year low
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage rates came down again last week, and with the expectation that they could fall further, mortgage demand suddenly jumped, especially for refinancing. The Federal Reserve is expected to make its first interest rate cut in four years on Wednesday, and while mortgage rates don't follow the Fed exactly, they are influenced by policy. "The most important takeaway is that lower mortgage rates are not only not remotely guaranteed by [the] Fed rate cut. Even with this large jump in volume, it is coming off a very low base, as the vast majority of borrowers have loans with interest rates well below 5%. "Homebuyers are seeing improving affordability conditions, sparked by lower rates and slower home-price growth."

Persons: Jerome Powell's, They're, Matthew Graham, Joel Kan, Kan Organizations: Federal, Mortgage News, Mortgage, Labor, Fed, Association

☆ Commercial property has been in a slump. How lower interest rates could lift it out.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Daniel Geiger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Read previewUma Moriarity, a senior investment strategist at a real estate investment firm based outside of Philadelphia, is feeling better about deal-making in commercial real estate. A reduction in the Fed's benchmark rate would bring relief to the $22.5 trillion US commercial real estate market, which was shaken by a series of interest rate increases beginning in March 2022. AdvertisementThe increases diminished commercial property values, raised mortgage defaults, and triggered the sector's worst downturn since the financial crisis more than 15 years ago. "We're looking at a very good 2025 and beyond," Mark Rose, the CEO of the real estate services firm Avison Young, said. "Commercial property prices have increased over the past few months as bond yields have declined," Peter Rothemund, the co-head of strategic research at Green Street, said in the firm's recent property pricing report.

Persons: —, Uma Moriarity, Moriarty, Mark Rose, Avison Young, Richard Barkham, We've, Fitch, CMBS, Peter Rothemund, Alan Todd, Todd, CLO Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve, Business, CenterSquare Investment Management, Green, Mortgage, Association, Bank of America, Bank of America Securities Locations: Philadelphia, Trepp

☆ New home sales saw the biggest burst of activity in August since 2022, MBA says
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The housing market saw a burst of activity in August. New home sales rose around 15% last month, the biggest jump since 2022. Buyers are coming back to the market as mortgage rates ease. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! AdvertisementThe housing market is seeing a fresh burst of activity as mortgage rates edge lower.

Persons: Buyers, — Organizations: Service, Mortgage, Association, Business

As the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, mortgage rates are likely to go down. Mortgage rates often trend up or down ahead of expected Fed moves, but once a hike or cut is priced in, they tend to hold steady unless the Fed surprises everyone. Haymore also notes that mortgage rates could fluctuate depending on other information that comes out of this upcoming meeting. As it does, mortgage rates should trend down, too (as will the rates banks pay on high-yield savings accounts). If you got your mortgage more recently, you could save on your mortgage payment by refinancing.

Persons: —, Freddie Mac, Scott Haymore, Haymore, you've, Matt Baker, Baker Organizations: Service, Business, Fed, TD Bank, Mortgage Bankers Association, Navy Federal Credit Union

See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowWhat Are Today's Mortgage Refinance Rates? Current 30-Year Mortgage RatesAverage 30-year mortgage rates remain low after dropping last week and are hovering around 5.70%, according to Zillow data. Last month, 30-year refinance rates averaged 6.59%, while 15-year refinance rates were around 5.90%. Now, 30-year refinance rates are nearly 70 basis points lower, and 15-year refinance rates are around 50 basis points lower. Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of different factors, including larger economic trends, Federal Reserve policy, your state's current mortgage rates, the type of loan you're getting, and your personal financial profile.

Persons: they've, Freddie Mac, it's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Fed, Mortgage, Association, ARM, . Government Locations: Chevron, Government

Mortgage rates probably won't drop much further if the Fed cuts rates, unless central bankers opt for a larger-than-expected cut. 30-Year Mortgage RatesAverage 30-year mortgage rates have been dropping this month and are now down near 5.70%, according to Zillow data. 5-Year Mortgage Rate TrendsHere's how 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates have trended over the last five years, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of different factors, including larger economic trends, Federal Reserve policy, your state's current mortgage rates, the type of loan you're getting, and your personal financial profile. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, they've, Freddie Mac, it's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, ARM, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Fed, Mortgage, Association Locations: Chevron

☆ Don't expect 'immediate relief' from the Federal Reserve's first rate cut in years, economist says. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The federal funds rate, which the U.S. central bank sets, is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. Home loan rates have already started to fall, largely due to the prospect of a Fed-induced economic slowdown. Student loansFederal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers won't be immediately affected by a rate cut. Eventually, borrowers with existing variable-rate private student loans may also be able to refinance into a less expensive fixed-rate loan, according to higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz. However, refinancing a federal loan into a private student loan will forgo the safety nets that come with federal loans, he said, "such as deferments, forbearances, income-driven repayment and loan forgiveness and discharge options."

Persons: that's, McBride, Jacob Channel, it's, Matt Schulz, Bankrate's McBride, Mark Kantrowitz Organizations: Treasury, Mortgage, Association, Auto, Consumers Locations: U.S

The pace of inflation likely moderated again in August — further relief for beleaguered consumers still smarting from pandemic-era price shocks. Though price growth has largely returned to the Federal Reserve's official 2% target, the sting of rapid price increases over the past four years lingers for many consumers. The latest inflation report is likely to cement a 0.25% cut in the Federal Reserve's key interest rate, currently at about 5.3%, later this month. But experts say it will take some time for consumers to feel the impact of the lower interest rate — and the relatively small size of the cut means borrowing costs will still be somewhat elevated. While the Fed is now widely expected to cut interest rates, a cut of just 0.25% may not be enough to stave off that scenario.

Persons: —, There's, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Zillow, Paul, ” Marina Walsh, ” Walsh, Torsten Slok, Slok, Sophia Kearney, Jerome Powell's, Kearney, Lederman Organizations: of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve's, Democratic, Labor Statistics, Princeton, “, Mortgage Bankers Association, Apollo Global Management, FHN, NBC News, Fed Locations: U.S, New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, St, Las Vegas, Phoenix

☆ Mortgage rates hit lowest level since February 2023
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, pending home sales fell 1.5 percent in October to their lowest level in 20 years. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Mortgage rates fell for the sixth straight week last week, but mortgage demand still seems to be waiting for something bigger. That is the lowest level since February 2023 and nearly a full percentage point lower than the same week one year ago. Total mortgage demand, however, rose just 1.4% for the week, according to the MBA's seasonally adjusted index. Mortgage rates continued to move lower to start this week, according to a separate survey by Mortgage News Daily, but the monthly release of the Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, on Wednesday could impact the direction of rates more sharply in either direction.

Persons: Justin Sullivan, Joel Kan, Kan, Matthew Graham Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Mortgage, Association, Treasury, Federal Reserve, Labor, Mortgage News Locations: CALIFORNIA, Larkspur , California

☆ 4 positives to focus on as recession fears grip the market, Deutsche Bank says
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But Deutsche Bank is offering four reasons to stay positive even as recession fears flare. AdvertisementIt's an uncomfortable time for equity investors, with the S&P 500 fresh off its biggest weekly decline in 18 months. Although the Federal Reserve is on the brink of long-awaited rate cuts, concerns have crept into the market that the economy is at risk of a sudden unpreventable softening. But with interest rate cuts ahead and recession fears in the air, investors are more likely to reposition. Rate cuts are on the horizonAdvertisementAll of Wall Street appears to be bracing for the Federal Reserve to lower rates at its policy meeting next week.

Persons: —, Deutsche, There's Organizations: Deutsche Bank, Service, Federal, Wall, Deutsche, Federal Reserve, Treasury, Mortgage Bankers Association

Nationwide, active listings in August were up 36% compared with the same month last year, according to a new report from Realtor.com. The growth in supply is due to the fact that homes are sitting on the market longer. “The widely anticipated Fed rate cut has already ushered in lower mortgage rates, but it seems that some buyers and sellers are waiting for additional declines.”That can be seen in weekly mortgage data. Regionally, active listings rose 46% in the South, 35.7% in the West, 23.8% in the Midwest and 15.1% in the Northeast. Part of that is due to the mix of homes on the market, as more smaller homes are being listed.

Persons: ”, Danielle Hale, “, Ralph McLaughlin Organizations: Nationwide, Mortgage, Association, Midwest, Realtor.com Locations: Tampa, San Diego, Miami, Seattle, Denver, West

☆ Home listings are up more than 60% in some cities. Here's where
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-06 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Nationwide, active listings in August were up 36% compared with the same month last year, according to a new report from Realtor.com. "The widely anticipated Fed rate cut has already ushered in lower mortgage rates, but it seems that some buyers and sellers are waiting for additional declines." Regionally, active listings rose 46% in the South, 35.7% in the West, 23.8% in the Midwest and 15.1% in the Northeast. More supply and longer selling times are finally translating into lower prices. Part of that is due to the mix of homes on the market, as more smaller homes are being listed.

Persons: Patrick T, Fallon, PATRICK T, FALLON, Danielle Hale, Ralph McLaughlin Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Getty, Nationwide, Mortgage, Association, Midwest Locations: Los Angeles , California, United States, AFP, Tampa, San Diego, Miami, Seattle, Denver, West

☆ Mortgage refinancing surges 35% in one week, as interest rates hit lowest level in over a year
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

It appears to have taken a few weeks for current homeowners to realize mortgage rates had dropped dramatically. Applications to refinance a home loan surged 35% last week, compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. While rates dropped just 1 basis point last week, they were down 33 basis points in the past four weeks. They were also 62 basis points lower than the same week a year ago. Mortgage rates started this week essentially flat, but that could change with the release of the government's monthly inflation report, the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Persons: Joel Kan, Matthew Graham Organizations: Woodland, Lifestyle Homes, Mortgage, FHA, Index, Mortgage News Locations: Cold Springs , Nevada

Mortgage rates fell dramatically this week, with 30-year mortgage rates even briefly dipping below 6% for the first time since early 2023, according to Zillow data. This should remove a lot of the upward pressure off of mortgage rates and allow them to ease. 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. As inflation slows and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to drop.

Persons: they've, Fannie Mae Organizations: Treasury, Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

Average 30-year mortgage rates dropped 26 basis points to 6.47%, their lowest level since May 2023, according to Freddie Mac. If today's mortgage rates are lower than the rate you're currently paying, refinancing could be worth it. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. Now that inflation has decelerated and a Fed cut is looking more likely, mortgage rates have trended down. 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: Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

The Federal Reserve is gearing up to cut interest rates as soon as next month, which could bring relief to people with mortgages, credit cards and car loans. Certificates of deposit — fixed-rate bank accounts with term limits — are a go-to when interest rates are high. With interest rates coming down, the idea is just pay and save as much as you can right now. There’s no bad time to do that, but when the central bank lowers interest rates, it can be even more valuable. “It’s tempting to say, ‘Well, when interest rates go down, stocks are going to do well, because people are switching from low-return to higher-return assets,’” she said.

Persons: Mark Hamrick, “, ”, Hamrick, Rodney Lake, Laura Veldkamp, Veldkamp, Jude Boudreaux, now’s, ” Jude Boudreaux, you’re, ” Boudreaux, ” DON’T, Jonathan Smoke, Cox, Edmunds, Ivan Drury Organizations: Federal, GW Investment, George Washington University School of Business, Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, Chipping, Columbia Business, Philadelphia Fed, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, Fed Locations: U.S, Orleans, New Orleans, Edmunds

☆ Weekly mortgage refinance demand soars 16% as rates sink to lowest level in over a year
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage interest rates dropped last week to the lowest level since May 2023, causing a surge in mortgage demand from both homebuyers and especially current homeowners. Total mortgage application volume rose 6.9% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. "Despite the downward movement in rates, purchase activity only saw small gains, with an increase in conventional purchase applications offset by decreases in government purchase applications. "This is how things often play out when the bond market forces a quick move to extreme rate levels. For example, several of the biggest drops in daily mortgage rates have followed quick moves to long-term highs," wrote Matthew Graham, chief operating officer at Mortgage News Daily.

Persons: Joel Kan, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Federal Reserve, Mortgage News Locations: Hawthorn Woods , Illinois

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