With very little economic news during the short holiday week, mortgage rates remained at the lowest levels in decades. While mortgage rates ended the week slightly lower, the level of volatility in mortgage markets and other financial markets was relatively high. Even without major news, sudden movements in rates were common during the week. The stock market displayed similar price swings, as the Dow recovered the roughly 400 points it lost the prior week. This volatility in financial markets reflects the high level of investor uncertainty about the pace of global economic growth.
The current low mortgage rates can be attributed to a couple of factors. One is that inflation is under control and is expected to remain low for quite a while. Another is that demand for mortgage-backed securities (MBS) is high. When packaged and sold as government guaranteed MBS, mortgages are viewed as safe investments, much like US Treasury securities, and safety has been important to investors in these uncertain times. With financial regulatory reform behind them, Congress is now beginning to consider the appropriate role for the government in the housing market. Central issues include government guarantees for mortgages and the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The debate is expected to be long and difficult, with no easy answers.
For more information and/or free mortgage advice, please e-mail Keith Gillow at: keith@frontstreetmtg.com.
Tight Lines,
Keith
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