After pausing in June, Fed hikes rates to highest level since 2001

Federal Reserve policymakers keep their options open for another rate hike in September, but futures markets investors and some economists think the Fed is probably done hiking rates. Continue reading

Economy’s strength could keep a damper on existing-home sales

Lack of inventory driven by mortgage lock-in effect may persist if the Federal Reserve maintains a ‘higher-for-longer’ rate strategy to combat inflation, Fannie Mae economists said. Continue reading

Americans resigned to high home prices, mortgage rates: Fannie Mae

Consumer confidence in the housing market “appears to have plateaued at a relatively low level,” said Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan in a new homeowner survey released on Friday. Continue reading

Good news about economy could send mortgage rates back up

Surprising GDP and jobs numbers have investors buying stocks and selling bonds over worries that Fed policymakers will continue hiking rates to combat inflation. Continue reading

Fed tightening likely to produce a ‘modest recession:’ Economists

Fannie Mae forecasters say the Federal Reserve’s decision on how high and long to keep rates up presents “a major risk over the next year,” with a question of a downturn more a matter of “when” than “if.” Continue reading