Mortgage bonds suffered through another tough week last week as rising optimism that Eurozone leaders will "rescue" Greece plus stronger-than-expected economic data in the U.S. led bonds lower for the second straight week.
Conforming and FHA mortgage rates in Georgia moved sharply higher. After reaching an all-time low just two weeks ago, 30-year fixed mortgage rates are now at a 2-month high.
There were several big stories in the mortgage bond market last week. Each was bad for consumer mortgage rates.
The first big story was tied to Greece. As meetings continue between Eurozone leader and rhetoric heats up, it's becoming increasingly clear that Greece will receive its next wave of debtor aid. The planned rescue of Greece is undoing the safe haven buying that characterized the mid-summer financial markets.
With investors more willing to take risks, mortgage bonds are selling off, and rates are rising.
The next big story was the release of the Federal Reserve's September meeting minutes. The central bank's meeting recap showed that the Fed considered additional stimulus beyond its Operation Twist, even as inflationary pressures are increasing. Because inflation lowers the value of outstanding mortgage bonds, rates climbed post-release.
Lastly, last week we learned that the U.S. consumer will not be deterred. Retail Sales grew 1.1 percent in September -- much more than Wall Street's expectation. This, too, caused a mortgage bond sell-off and led to a late-Friday surge in rates.
Markets should open worse this morning, pressuring rates higher yet again. However, there's plenty of data this week for which rate shoppers should be watching :
- Tuesday : Producer Price Index; Housing Market Index
- Wednesday : Consumer Price Index; Housing Starts
- Thursday : Existing Home Sales
In addition, there are 8 Fed speakers this week. Each can move markets.
Despite rising rates, mortgage rates remain low nationwide. If you've been shopping for a rate, it's not too late to lock in. Talk to your loan officer and make a plan to get locked, and get closed.
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