Market Commentary – 9/20/14

Investors were focused almost exclusively on the Fed meeting this week. Shifting expectations about future Fed policy guidance caused a good deal of volatility during the week. The Fed statement contained no major changes, however, and mortgage rates ended the week with little change.
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Market Commentary – 9/15/14

Mortgage Rates: Trending Sideways

Inflation Drives Rates

Inflation concerns were the main influence on mortgage rates last week. A surprising jump in CPI caused mortgage rates to rise on Tuesday. The Fed downplayed the threat of high inflation last Wednesday, however, causing mortgage rates to decline. The net result was that mortgage rates finished the week a little lower.

The May Consumer Price Index (CPI), one of the most widely watched inflation indicators, was 2.1% higher than one year ago. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, was 2.0% higher, up from an annual rate of 1.6% just two months ago. Core CPI has now reached the Fed’s stated target level for core inflation of 2.0%. Another inflation indicator released last week, the Prices Paid component of the Philly Fed report, also showed a sharp increase. Since expectations for future inflation are a primary factor in setting mortgage rates, this data was unfavorable for rates.Read More

Market Commentary – 9/13/14

Increased concerns that the Fed will raise the fed funds rate more quickly than previously expected was the driving factor for mortgage rates this week. Stronger than expected economic data was another negative factor, and mortgage rates ended the week higher.

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