Tag Archives: Federal Open Market Committee

The Fed is putting rate hikes back on the table. Here’s what that means for agents

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on The Fed is putting rate hikes back on the table. Here’s what that means for agents

Some policymakers raised the possibility of rate increases if inflation proves more stubborn than expected. Continue reading →

Mortgage demand dips as Fed signals cautious approach to rates

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Mortgage demand dips as Fed signals cautious approach to rates

Homebuyer demand is still stronger than a year ago, but seasonal shifts have pushed the mix of business toward refinancing, which accounted for 59% of loan applications last week. Continue reading →

Fed patches a potential chink in armor protecting its independence

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Fed patches a potential chink in armor protecting its independence

A vote to reappoint 11 of the Fed’s 12 regional bank presidents puts an end to speculation that Trump administration might try to unseat inflation hawks opposed to interest rate cuts. Continue reading →

Fed cuts rates for 3rd time in 2025, but might cut just once next year

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Fed cuts rates for 3rd time in 2025, but might cut just once next year

The 9-3 split vote reflects differing views on whether the central bank’s biggest worry is inflation or rising unemployment, with data lagging after the government shutdown. Continue reading →

Rising unemployment revives prospects for December rate cut

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Rising unemployment revives prospects for December rate cut

Fannie Mae forecasters are predicting mortgage rates will fall below 6 percent by the end of next year. Economists at the Mortgage Bankers Association don’t see rates coming down at all. Continue reading →

Fallout over Fed policymakers’ investments reshaping the board

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Fallout over Fed policymakers’ investments reshaping the board

The resignation of Biden appointee Adriana Kugler and pending retirement of Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic renews speculation that Trump will seek to undermine Fed independence. Continue reading →

Mortgage rates spike as Powell warns December rate cut is iffy

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Mortgage rates spike as Powell warns December rate cut is iffy

After the Federal Reserve approved the second rate cut of the year, mortgage rates moved in the opposite direction as investors who fund most home loans worry about inflation. Continue reading →

Supreme Court not ready to let Trump boot Fed Governor Lisa Cook

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Supreme Court not ready to let Trump boot Fed Governor Lisa Cook

The legal battle over the Fed’s independence will drag into next year, with the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in January on the Trump administration’s bid to fire Cook. Continue reading →

Trump asks Supreme Court to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Trump asks Supreme Court to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook

Lower courts have ruled Cook can continue to serve on the central bank’s board while she challenges the Trump adminstration’s move to fire her over unproven mortgage allegations. Continue reading →

Why Trump’s moves to control Fed could send mortgage rates higher

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Why Trump’s moves to control Fed could send mortgage rates higher

If bond market investors get cold feet about buying government debt and mortgage-backed securities, that could push long-term interest rates higher, even if the Fed cuts short-term rates. Continue reading →