Numbers to know: Is the Fed having second thoughts about rate cuts?

Inflation, combined with September’s strong jobs report, suggests that the Fed might be rethinking how quickly to cut the Federal Funds Rate, says Windermere’s Principal Economist Jeff Tucker. Continue reading

Latest inflation numbers could give mortgage rates additional lift

Reports send mixed signals on the economy, with CPI showing prices rose more sharply than expected in September and jobless claims surging to highest level in more than a year. Continue reading

Fed expected to be cautious in cutting rates next week

A surprisingly large increase in core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, means Fed policymakers are likely to start out with a modest 25 basis-point rate cut when they meet next week. Continue reading

Mortgage rates trending down as Fed rate cuts seen as certain

Investors see a September rate cut as a certainty, but the latest inflation data suggests recession fears are overblown and the Fed will start out with a modest, 25-basis point reduction. Continue reading

Prospects for lower mortgage rates grow as inflation continues to ease

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge fell to 2.56 percent in May, getting closer to the Fed’s 2 percent target for the 2nd month in a row. Core inflation reading is lowest since March 2021. Continue reading

Mortgage rates headed under 7% on encouraging inflation data

Homebuyers have yet to respond in force to drop in rates, which have been in retreat from 2024 highs for three consecutive weeks following Fed easing and soft jobs and CPI reports. Continue reading

Inflation rises to 3.2% in February, raising doubts about soft landing

Inflation rose 0.4 percent in February to an annual rate of 3.2 percent, with shelter and gas costs contributing substantially to the uptick, according to the the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index. Continue reading

Demand for purchase mortgages drops for 3rd week in a row

Lender survey shows applications from homebuyers is down 12 percent from a year ago, as mortgage rates continue to rebound from December lows on stubborn inflation data. Continue reading

How changes to CPI may provide better rent inflation insights

A recent working paper by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland explores a new way to measure rent in the CPI that could give earlier insight into the direction of consumer housing costs. Continue reading

Mortgage rates post biggest 1-day drop since onset of the pandemic

Tuesday’s big drop in rates followed an encouraging inflation report, with bond market investors now convinced the Fed is done hiking rates and may reverse course in the spring. Continue reading