December Fed rate cut seen as a lock — then caution may prevail

The latest Consumer Price Index reading is in line with expectations, but progress in fighting inflation has stalled. Forecasts for a slower pace of easing next year might keep mortgage rates above 6 percent. Continue reading

Mortgage rates staying below 2024 highs, but buyers indifferent

Bond market investors who fund most mortgages shrugged off hawkish remarks by Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller that he wants to see “several more months of good inflation data” before cutting rates. Continue reading

Purchase loan applications soar 9% following drop in mortgage rates

Trend could bode well for the spring homebuying season, the Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday, but Fed may take its time before cutting rates. Continue reading

Inflation concerns not reflected in latest mortgage rate survey

A weekly mortgage rate survey from Freddie Mac shows rates continuing to slide, but the snapshot of average rates over a seven-day period doesn’t fully reflect new data that’s pushed rates up this week on renewed worries about inflation. Continue reading