Tuesday

Daily Mortgage Rate Lock Advisory – Tuesday Dec. 2nd

Rate Lock Advisory – Tuesday Dec. 2nd

Tuesday’s bond market has opened in negative territory following a rebound in stock prices. The stock markets are bouncing off yesterday’s beating with the Dow up 250 points and the Nasdaq up 47 points. The bond market is currently down 8/32, which will likely push this morning’s mortgage rates higher by approximately .125 of a discount point.

There is no relevant economic news scheduled for release today. It is the only day of the week that we will not get some type of relevant data. The next report that we need to be concerned with comes tomorrow morning with the release of the revised 3rd Quarter Productivity report. This index is expected to show a downward revision from the preliminary reading of worker productivity. Higher levels of productivity are thought to allow the economy to expand without inflationary pressures rising. This is good news for the bond market because economic growth itself isn’t necessarily bad for the bond market. It is the cond itions around economic growth, such as inflation that hurt bond prices and mortgage rates. Current forecasts are calling for an annual rate of 0.9%, down from the previous estimate of 1.1%.

The Fed Beige Book will be posted tomorrow afternoon. This report, which is named after the color of its cover, details economic conditions by region. It is relied on heavily during the FOMC meetings when determining monetary policy, so it results can influence bond trading and mortgage rates if it shows any significant surprises.

The recent bond rally has driven bond prices higher and mortgage rates lower, however, I am concerned that we may see an increase in rates before they fall much further. The rally creates a situation where bond traders may sell holdings to capture profits from it. If there is a concern in the market whether bonds can improve much more, that move may happen sooner than later and can lead to a spike in mortgage rates. Therefore, I strong ly recommend that you maintain contact with your mortgage professional if still floating an interest rate because rate usually move higher much quicker than they improve.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

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Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 Rate Lock Advisories 1 Comment

Rate Lock Advisory – Tuesday Nov. 11th

Rate Lock Advisory – Tuesday Nov. 11th

TUESDAY’S UPDATE:

The bond market is closed today in observance of the Veterans Day holiday and will reopen tomorrow morning. The stock markets are trading today but in negative territory. The Dow is currently down 240 points while the Nasdaq has lost 42 points. Some lenders may post rates today, but will likely use yesterday’s afternoon rates.

This week brings us the release of only three relevant economic reports with only one of them being considered highly important. There is no relevant news scheduled for release tomorrow except for the results of the 10-year Treasury Note auction. Results will be posted at 1:00 PM ET and can influence bond trading enough to affect mortgage rates. If the sale was met with a strong demand from investors, bonds will likely rally and mortgage rates should fall. However, a lackluster interest could lead to weakness and higher mortgage rates.

The first economic data of the week is September’s Goods and Services Trade Balance report Thursday morning. It helps us measure the size of the U.S. trade deficit, but usually is not a major influence on bond trading or mortgage pricing. It does affect the value of the U.S. dollar, which makes U.S. securities more attractive to international investors when the dollar is strong. This is because the securities’ proceeds are worth more when sold and converted to the investor’s domestic currency. However, its results will not likely directly lead to changes in mortgage rates.

Overall, look for a fairly quiet week in the mortgage market compared to previous weeks unless something totally unexpected transpires. The two Treasury auctions that are of the most interest are Wednesday’s and Thursday’s since they can impact mortgage rates the most. But there is only one important report being posted and that doesn’t come until Friday morning.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Lock if my cl osing was taking place within 7 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

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Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 Rate Lock Advisories 2 Comments

Rate Lock Advisory – Tuesday Oct. 21st

Rate Lock Advisory – Tuesday Oct. 21st

Tuesday’s bond market has opened up sharply following early stock losses. The stock markets showing sizable losses, erasing a good portion of yesterday’s late rally. The Dow is currently down 2 02 points while the Nasdaq has lost 47 points. The bond market is currently up 22/32, which will likely improve this morning’s mortgage rates by approximately .500 of a discount point or .125 in rate.

There is no relevant economic data scheduled for today or tomorrow. As expected, we are seeing the bond market fluctuate with stocks. Since stocks are in selling mode, the recent jump in bond yields has made bonds more attractive to investors. This is especially true with stocks unable to keep solid footing. The result is a significant improvement to this morning’s mortgage rates.

With no data scheduled for release tomorrow and only weekly unemployment claims due Thursday, look for similar action in bonds the next two days. I feel there is still more roo m for bonds to improve and mortgage rates to move lower, so I am holding the float recommendation for the time being. However, that may change at any time.

The only other data scheduled for release this week is September’s Existing Home Sales Friday morning. This report gives us an indication of housing sector strength and mortgage credit demand. I don’t see it having much of an influence on the bond market or mortgage rates, but a reading that varies greatly from analysts’ forecasts could lead to a slight change in mortgage pricing. It is expected to show a slight increase in sales from August to September.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Float if my closing was taking place within 7 days… Float if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

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Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 Rate Lock Advisories No Comments

Rate Lock Advisory – Sunday Oct. 5th

Rate Lock Advisory – Sunday Oct. 5th

This week brings us only one monthly economic report for the markets to digest and it is not considered to be of high importance. This means that the week will be left mostly up to the stock markets and other influences since there is a lack of factual data for bonds to trade on. In addition to the one report, we will also get the minutes from the last FOMC meeting that can also cause movement in rates if it reveals any surprises.

The first news of the week comes Tuesday afternoon when the Fed will release the minutes to the last FOMC meeting. These may be a major mover of the markets or could be a non-factor, depending on what they say. The key will be concerns over inflation and the Fed’s next move. If the Fed members were concerned about inflationary pressures, we may see the bond market move lower and mortgage rates higher Tuesday afternoon. However, if they indicate that inflation is easing and that a rate increase is not likely in the coming months, we s hould see the bond market rise and mortgage rates drop during afternoon trading.

The only factual economic data of the week will be posted Friday morning. August’s Goods and Services Trade Balance will be released that day, but is not likely to cause much of a change in mortgage pricing. It will give us the size of the U.S. trade deficit, but usually does not lead to significant movement in bond prices or mortgage rates.

Also worth noting are two public speaking engagements by Fed Chairman Bernanke Monday and Tuesday. I don’t expect them to have much of an impact on the markets, but his words always have the potential to create a reaction in trading. He will be speaking at the annual meeting of the National Association for Business Economics, but I don’t see this to likely affect mortgage rates.

Overall, I suspect this is going to be fairly quiet week for the bond market and mortgage rates, especially compared to last week. For the most p art, I believe the week will be left to the stock markets and the Fed minutes. The most important day of the week is likely Tuesday with the Fed minutes, but any day of significant stock volatility may make that particular day the most eventful. The bond market will close early Friday in observance of Monday’s Columbus Day holiday, but it will also likely be a non-event to the markets.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

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Sunday, October 5th, 2008 Rate Lock Advisories No Comments

Rate Lock Advisory – Tuesday Sep. 16th -Update

Rate Lock Advisory – Tuesday Sep. 16th

TUESDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE:

Today’s FOMC meeting has adjourned with an announcement of no change to key short-term interest rates. The post-meeting statement indicated that the Fed felt key rates were low enough to spur economic activity. The stock markets initially reacted negatively to the news since traders were expecting a rate cut, but then staged a rally that pushed the Dow up 141 points and the Nasdaq up 28 points.

The bond market did not fair so well. As expected, as soon as stocks started to rise, bonds suffered. The same funds that were moved into bonds and drove prices higher yesterday, now were hurting bonds as they were shifted back into stocks. The result was the bond market closing down 26/32 and a sizable increase to mortgage rates. I suspect that there is more room for bonds to fall if stocks continue to move higher. Therefore, holding the lock recommendations seem to be the prudent stance at this time.

Today’s on ly relevant economic data was August’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). It showed a decline in the overall reading of 0.1% and an increase of 0.2% in the core data reading. Both of these readings matched forecasts, therefore, they had little impact on the bond market or mortgage rates.

August’s Housing Starts report is the only relevant data being posted tomorrow morning. This report will probably not have much of an impact on the bond market or mortgage rates. It gives us a measurement of housing sector strength and mortgage credit demand, but is usually considered to be of low importance to the financial markets. Tomorrow’s report is expected to show a drop in new housing starts from July’s levels.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

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Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 Rate Lock Advisories No Comments

Rate Lock Advisory – Sunday Sep. 14th

Rate Lock Advisory – Sunday Sep. 14th

There are only four pieces of economic news scheduled for release this week and one of them is a highly important inflation reading. We also have another Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, which likely will not bring a change to key short-term interest rates. There is a pretty good possibility of seeing a fair amount of volatility in the markets and likely mortgage rates the next several days.

The first report of the week is August’s Industrial Production data tomorrow morning. This report gives us a measurement of manufacturing sector strength by tracking output at U.S. factories, mines and utilities. It is considered to be moderately important but could cause movement in mortgage rates. Analysts are currently expecting to see a 0.3% decline in production. A higher level of output could lead to higher mortgage rates, while a weaker than expected figure should help push rates slightly lower.

August’s Consumer Price Ind ex (CPI) will be released Tuesday morning at 8:30 am ET. The CPI is one of the most important reports we see each and every month. It is considered to be a key indicator of inflation at the consumer level of the economy. There are two readings in the report- the overall index and the core data reading. Current forecasts are calling for no change in the overall reading and a 0.2% rise in the core data reading. A larger increase in the core data would likely lead to higher mortgage rates Tuesday, while a smaller increase would be good news.

The FOMC meeting will adjourn at 2:15 PM Tuesday. There is little debate about a possible change to key short-term interest rates at this meeting. The overwhelming consensus is that there will be no change to rates at this meeting. However, the post-meeting statement could very well lead to volatility during afternoon trading as investors dissect it in an effort to find the Fed’s expected next move. The wild card is how the ma rkets react to the statement. If we see significant weakness in stocks, the bond market may benefit as a safe-haven from the volatility. This could lead to lower mortgage rates Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

August’s Housing Starts report will be released early Wednesday morning. This report will probably not have much of an impact on the bond market or mortgage rates. It gives us a measurement of housing sector strength and mortgage credit demand, but is usually considered to be of low importance to the financial markets.

Late Thursday morning, the Conference Board will release its Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). This index attempts to measure economic activity over the next three to six months. If it estimates an increase in activity, the bond market will probably fall and mortgage rates will rise slightly. If it shows weaker than expected readings, the bond market may rally and mortgage rates should fall. Current forecasts are calling for a 0.2% decline from July’s reading.

Overall, I expect to see some pressure in bonds tomorrow as investors prepare for Tuesday’s events. Tuesday will most likely be the most important day of the week with the CPI release and the FOMC meeting. If the CPI eases inflation concerns and the Fed statement doesn’t reveal any negative surprises, we will most likely see mortgage rates move lower for the week.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

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Rate Lock Advisory – Sunday Aug. 24th

 

This week brings us the release of eight relevant economic releases for the bond market to watch. This will also be a shortened week in the bond market as a result of the Labor Day holiday next Monday. This makes it quite likely that we will see a fair amount of volatility in the financial markets this week, and therefore quite possibly mortgage rates.

Tomorrow brings us the first piece of data for the markets to digest with July’s Existing Home Sales. The National Association of Realtors will release this report, giving us a measurement of housing sector strength. It covers approximately 85% of home sales in the U.S., but usually does not have a major influence on bond trading and mortgage rates unless it varies greatly from analysts forecasts. It is expected to show a small increase from June’s sales.

The Conference Board will post this month’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) at 10:00 AM Tuesday. This index measures consumer wi llingness to spend, which is important because consumer spending makes up two thirds of the U.S. economy. A decline would indicate that consumers may not be making large purchases in the immediate future. That sign of economic weakness should drive bond prices higher, leading to lower mortgage rates Tuesday. It is expected to show a reading of 53.0, which would be an increase from July’s 51.9.

Also scheduled for release Tuesday is July’s New Home Sales data. This report is the least important release of the week. It will give us an indication of housing sector strength and mortgage credit demand like Monday’s Existing Home Sales report does and also usually doesn’t have a major impact on bond prices or mortgage rates.

The third and final event for Tuesday is the release of the minutes from the last FOMC meeting. There is a pretty good possibility of the markets reacting to them following their 2:00 PM ET release, especially if they show some divisiveness by its members. It will be interesting to see some of the Fed member’s views on the economy and inflation and if they will hint what the Fed’s next move may be.

The Commerce Department will post July’s Durable Goods Orders Wednesday morning, giving us an important measure of manufacturing sector strength. This data tracks orders at U.S. factories for big ticket items, or products that are expected to last three or more years. A weaker reading than the expected 0.2% rise that is expected would indicate that the manufacturing sector is not as strong as thought. This would be good news for bonds and should lead to lower mortgage rates.

Thursday’s only data is the first revision to the 2nd Quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Last month’s preliminary reading revealed a 1.9% pace of growth. A smaller than expected upward revision should help lower mortgage rates Thursday, especially if the inflation portion of t he release does not get revised higher. Current forecasts are calling for a 2.7% annual rate. There will be a final revision issued next month, but it probably will have little impact on mortgage rates.

Friday is also a multi-release day with the release of July’s Personal Income and Outlays and the University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment posting. The income and spending data measures consumer ability to spend and current spending habits. It is expected to show a decline of 0.1% in income and a 0.3% increase in spending. Weaker than expected numbers would be good news for the bond market and mortgage rates.

August’s revision to the University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment is also due Friday morning. It gives us a measurement of consumer willingness to spend. It is expected to show an upward revision from August’s preliminary reading of 61.7. If it revises lower, consumers were less confident about their perso nal financial situations than previously thought. This would be good news for the bond market and mortgage rates.

Overall, it is a shortened week but probably will be a very busy week. The bond market is expected to close at 2:00 PM ET Friday ahead of the Monday holiday. We will likely see the most activity in rates Tuesday morning, but Wednesday and Thursday are also important. If we manage to get weaker than expected results in the key reports and the Fed minutes don’t show any surprises, we should see mortgage rates close the week lower than tomorrow’s opening levels.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days… Float if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

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Daily Rate Lock Recommendation – 08/03/2008 9:48:00 PM EST

 
 

This week brings us the release of only three pieces of economic data that are likely to affect mortgage rates. However, the biggest event of the week will be the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting Tuesday. We may see some pressure in bonds tomorrow as investors prepare for the meeting, but most traders will likely make their moves post-meeting Tuesday.

The first important release is June’s Personal Income and Outlays data tomorrow morning. The Income & Spending report helps us measure consumer ability to spend and current spending habits. If it shows sizable increases, bond selling could lead to higher mortgage rates. Current forecasts are calling for a decline of 0.1% in income and an increase of 0.5% in spending.

Also scheduled for release tomorrow is June’s Factory Orders data. This report helps us measure manufacturing sector strength by tracking orders for both durable and non-durable goods during the month of June. It is similar to last week’s Durable Goods Orders report that tracks only orders for big-ticket items. Since a significant portion of the data was released last week, this report may not have as big of an impact on the markets as you may think. Analysts’ are expecting to see an increase of approximately 0.7% in new orders.

The FOMC meeting will adjourn at 2:15 PM Tuesday. It is expected to yield no change to key interest rates. Usually, the post-meeting comments seem to have more of an influence on the markets than the rate adjustments themselves, or a lack of one in many cases. Look for the statement to lead to volatility during afternoon trading if it hints at what the Fed’s next move may be.

Bond traders will be watching the post meeting statement very carefully. Generally speaking, a hint of rate hikes in the future will be construed as an indication that inflation is still a concern and would likely lead to bond selling and increases to mortga ge rates. If the statement gives an indication that the Fed is not as concerned with inflation as previously noted, the bond market should rally, leading to lower mortgage rates.

Employee Productivity and Costs data for the second quarter will be released Friday morning. It will give us an indication of employee output. High levels of productivity are believed to allow the economy to grow without fears of inflation. I don’t see this being a big mover of mortgage pricing, but since it is the only data of the day it may influence rates slightly. Analysts are currently expecting to see an increase in productivity of 2.7%. A higher than expected reading could help improve bonds, leading to lower mortgage rates.

Also worth noting are two important Treasury auctions this week. The sale of 10-year Notes will be held Wednesday while 30-year Bonds will be sold Thursday. We often see some weakness in bonds ahead of the sales as the firms pa rticipating prepare for them. However, as long as they are met with decent demand from investors, the firms usually buy them back. This tends to help recover any presale losses. But, if the sales are met with a lackluster interest from investors- particularly international buyers, the bond market may move lower after the results are posted. Those results will be announced at 1:00 PM each sale day. If there will be revisions to mortgage rates because of the results, look for them to be made during afternoon trading Wednesday and/or Thursday.

Overall, I am expecting to see a choppy week in trading and mortgage rates. We will likely see the most movement in rates Tuesday with the FOMC meeting. Wednesday’s Treasury auction may also affect rates during afternoon trading. I suspect that the rest of the week will be driven by stock market gains or losses.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days… Float if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

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Sunday, August 3rd, 2008 Weekly Rate Lock Advisory No Comments

Daily Rate Lock Recommendation – 07/13/2008 10:09:00 PM EST

 
 

This week brings us the release of six important economic reports for the bond market to digest. Several of these reports are considered to be of high importance, meaning we will likely see volatility in the financial markets and mortgage pricing over the next several days. There are also plenty of corporate earnings releases scheduled for the stock markets this week along with the minutes from the last FOMC meeting. Throw in a couple of days of Fed testimony and we have the makings for a very interesting week.

The first piece of data comes Tuesday morning with the release of June’s Producer Price Index (PPI). The PPI is very important because it measures inflationary pressures at the producer level of the economy. It is expected to show a 1.3% increase in the overall reading and a 0.3% rise in the core data reading. The bond market should react quite favorably to weaker than expected readings, but a bigger than expected jump in the core reading could send mor tgage rates higher Tuesday.

June’s Retail Sales report will also be posted Tuesday. The Commerce Department is expected to say that sales at retail establishments rose 0.3% last month. This data is considered to be of high importance because it measures consumer spending. Consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the U.S. economy, so any related data is watched closely. A smaller than expected increase in sales could help fuel a bond rally and lead to lower mortgage rates, depending on the results of the PPI report.

Next on tap is Wednesday’s release of June’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). It is a mirror of Tuesday’s PPI with the exception that the CPI measures inflation at the more important consumer level of the economy. Analysts have forecasted a 0.7% increase in the overall index and a 0.2% rise in the core data. The core data is considered to be the key reading of both the PPI and CPI because they exclude more volatile food and en ergy prices, giving us a more stable measure of inflation. Higher than expected readings could raise inflation fears and push mortgage rates higher both days.

June’s Industrial Production data will also be posted Wednesday morning. This data measures output and U.S. factories, mines and utilities, giving us an indication of manufacturing sector strength. It is expected to show a 0.2% rise in production, indicating that the manufacturing sector showed moderate growth during the month. A smaller than expected increase would be good news and could help push mortgage rates slightly lower Wednesday.

Also worth noting about Wednesday is the release of the minutes from the last FOMC meeting. There is a possibility of the markets reacting to them following their 2:00 PM ET release, especially if they show some divisiveness by its members during discussion and voting at the last meeting.

Fed Chairman Bernanke will speak before th e Senate Banking Committee Tuesday morning and the House Financial Services Committee Wednesday morning at 10:00am ET. His testimony will be broadcasted and will be watched very closely. Analysts and traders will be looking for the status of the economy and his expectations of future growth, particularly inflation concerns. This should create a great deal of volatility in the markets during the testimony and the question and answer session that follows. If he indicates that inflation is still a point of concern, we will likely see the bond market tank and mortgage rates rise.

Thursday’s only relevant data is June’s Housing Starts report. This data gives us an indication of housing sector strength, but is not considered to be of high importance. Analysts are currently expecting to see a small decline in new starts of housing projects. However, I don’t see this data having a much of an impact on mortgage rates Thursday unless it varies greatly f rom forecasts.

Overall though, I think we will see the most movement in mortgage pricing this week on Tuesday or Wednesday due to the release of the inflation related indexes and Mr. Bernanke’s testimony those days. This weekend’s news of Fed support of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will likely help stocks, but I am not sure of how the bond and mortgage markets will react to that news. I suspect it will be taken as positive news, but it will be interesting to see if it has a significant influence on mortgage pricing. Regardless, even without that turn of events, it will likely be an active week for mortgage rates with a fair amount of volatility.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is o nly my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

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Sunday, July 13th, 2008 Weekly Rate Lock Advisory No Comments

Daily Rate Lock Recommendation – 06/15/2008 9:17:00 PM EST

 
 

This week is moderately busy with four economic reports scheduled to be released. Only one of the four is considered to be of high importance to the markets and mortgage rates. The remaining three are of interest to the markets but likely will not cause a large change in mortgage rates unless they vary greatly from forecasts.

The first report of the week is also the most important. May’s Producer Price Index (PPI) will be posted early Tuesday morning. It helps us measure inflationary pressures at the producer level of the economy and is the sister report to last week’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). There are two readings of this index, the overall and the core data. The core data is considered to be the more important of the two because it excludes more volatile food and energy prices. A large increase could add fuel to the theory that inflation is a real threat to the economy because the higher prices will likely be passed on to the consumer in the near future. This would not be good news for bond prices or mortgage rates since inflation erodes the value of a bond’s future fixed interest payments. Rising inflation causes investors to sell bonds, driving prices lower and mortgage rates higher. Analysts are expecting to see an increase of 1.0% in the overall index and a 0.2% rise in the core data.

The second of three reports being posted Tuesday is May’s Housing Starts report. This report gives us a measurement of housing sector strength, but is the week’s least important. It usually doesn’t have a major impact on the bond market or mortgage rates and I see no reason for this month’s results to be any different. Analysts are expecting to see a drop in starts of new homes between April and May.

The third and final piece of data scheduled for Tuesday is May’s Industrial Production. This report will be released at 9:15 AM ET. It measures output at U.S. factories, mines and utilities, giving us an important measurement of manufacturing sector strength. If it reveals that production is rising, concerns of manufacturing strength may come into play in the bond market. A decline would indicate that the manufacturing sector is weaker than expected and should help push mortgage rates lower. Current forecasts are calling for an increase of 0.1%.

May’s Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) will be posted late Thursday morning. The Conference Board, who is a New York-based business research group, will post this data. It attempts to predict economic activity over the next three to six months. If it shows rapidly rising levels of activity, bond prices will probably drop, pushing mortgage rates higher Thursday morning. But, a weaker than expected reading could lead to lower mortgage pricing. It is expected to show no change from April to May.

Overall, look for Tuesday to be the big day of the week. Not just because it brings the release of three of four reports, but because it brings us the PPI that is considered to be a key inflation reading. I am expecting to see the least amount of movement in rates tomorrow and Friday, unless the major stock indexes stage a considerable sell off or rally. However, I am still not sure that we have seen the end of the recent bond selling. Therefore, I am holding the lock recommendations for the time being.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Lock if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

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Sunday, June 15th, 2008 Rate Lock Advisories No Comments