Investors’ expectations for big Fed rate cut rise on new data releases

Investors who fund most mortgages have already priced in several rate cuts, so further declines could depend on what next week’s “dot plot” says about expectations for the pace of future cuts. Continue reading

Second-home mortgages decline amid economic uncertainty

U.S. homeowners are showing less interest in taking on second-home mortgages, as elevated prices and economic jitters make these properties less appealing, Redfin reported on Thursday.
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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

More Americans think mortgage rates and home prices will drop

Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey shows there’s greater optimism about the future, but fewer than 1 in 5 consumers thought August was a good time to buy a home. Continue reading

Weak jobs report drags down stock indexes — and mortgage rates

August payroll report includes “huge downward revisions” to previous estimates of June and July job growth, renewing recession worries and prospects for aggressive Fed rate cuts. Continue reading

Is good news finally on the horizon for the real estate industry?

Bernice Ross talks with Patrick Stone, chairman and founder of Williston Financial, about interest rates, new construction and the 2024 election. Continue reading

As Americans struggle with rates, inventory, Japan sees the opposite

The East Asian island country has experienced decades of near-0 percent interest rates and an abundance of inventory, but the government has started to increase rates as wages have seen a boost. Continue reading

Mortgage rates are tumbling again as job openings hit 18-month low

Bond market investors who fund most mortgages are already certain the Fed will slash rates this month. The question has become how much will policymakers cut on Sept. 18, Nov. 7 and Dec. 18? Continue reading

Data points to another mortgage boom if rates continue to tumble

If mortgage rates fall by another percentage point, ICE Mortgage sees homebuyers’ monthly payment dropping by $236 and nearly 7.2 million homeowners “in the money” for a refinance. Continue reading

July inflation reading trims the odds of a big September rate cut

PCE price index shows inflation continued to cool in July, but at a gentle enough pace that Fed policymakers are now seen as likely to only bring rates down by a hair in September. Continue reading