Mortgage rates

While Fitch and Kroll have differing views on mortgage rates next year, both are looking for mortgage delinquencies to rise in their rated portfolios.

The 30-year rate dropped just 0.2 percentage points, as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's recent comments caused Treasury yields to rise.

An index of contract signings held at 74.8 after climbing a revised 4.2% a month earlier to the highest level since March, according to National Association of Realtors data released Wednesday.

While expectations that another federal rate cut is on the way next week, other economic trends may be having a larger influence on mortgage lending.

While new jobs data contributed to falling Treasury yields, mortgage rates showed a mixed picture with some trackers moving in opposite directions.

A potential government shutdown could create unprecedented risks for housing, delaying data releases, and affecting markets more than past shutdowns.

Most lenders said they had already priced in the widely-anticipated decision to cut short-term rates for 30-year home loans but other products will benefit.

New-home loan activity rose 1% in August year over year, but applications fell 6% from July.

The 30-year conforming fixed rate mortgage ended this week at its lowest since last Oct. 17, helped by bond traders pricing in a reduction in short-term rates.

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell 2 basis points this week, Freddie Mac said, but other sources like Zillow and Lender Price reported larger drops.

The increase in purchase volume was not enough to offset the drop in refinance application submissions as conventional rates increased week-over-week.

The bank "temporarily" paused home equity line of credit lending in April 2020, over concerns regarding the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

While still higher than the norm, the reduction in this spread is good news when it comes to mortgage rates for potential homebuyers as well as current owners.

Fannie Mae economists toned down their housing and economic outlook in August, predicting fewer home sales and less mortgage origination volume versus July.

Last year the Fed cut its benchmark rate by 50 basis points in September, and went on to lower rates twice more, even as 10-year Treasury yields rose.

Real estate investor sentiment bounced back from two quarters of decline, but lingering fears around tariffs, interest rates still weigh on many buyers' minds

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell by 5 basis points, with the Consumer Price Index showing muted inflation and jobs data still influencing the market.

Approximately 60% of economists surveyed by Wolters Kluwer believe the Federal Open Market Committee will act at its next meeting with a 25 basis point cut.

Employment came in below estimates, which some economists expect could move the bond market in ways that affect loan costs even before the Fed meets next.

The 30-year fixed rate stayed within a narrow range throughout most of July, with forecasts likely to leave the housing market "stuck," said one economist.