Rate Lock Advisory

Friday, August 21th

Friday’s bond market has opened in negative territory again as investors continue to grow weary of oil prices, inflation and the amount of debt diluting the market. Stocks are rebounding from yesterday’s selling to push the Dow higher by 384 points and the Nasdaq up 50 points. The bond market is currently down 3/32 (4.71%), which should keep mortgage rates close to Thursday’s early pricing. Some lenders may reflect a modest increase, but it likely won’t be noticeable.

3/32

Bonds

30 yr - 4.71%

384

Dow

53,143

50

NASDAQ

26,117

Mortgage Rate Trend

Trailing 90 Days - National Average

  • 30 Year Fixed
  • 15 Year Fixed
  • 5/1 ARM

Indexes Affecting Rate Lock

Medium

Negative

Geopolitical/Financial Issues

There is no relevant economic data scheduled for release today. We will be watching for an afternoon downturn in bond prices that would cause yields and mortgage rates to move higher. Brent crude oil is down a few cents this morning but still well above $90 a barrel that raises alarm bells in the financial markets, particularly bonds. Iran-related headlines have come to a trickle recently, so it doesn’t appear they are influencing mortgage rates this morning.

High

Unknown

Inflation News

Next week starts light with nothing of importance happening Monday before a couple of economic reports come Tuesday morning. The calendar gets much busier starting Wednesday with the release of several important economic reports, including one that has the Fed’s preferred gauge of inflation and another that is a key reading of overall economic growth. Midweek also has two Treasury auctions that could affect bond trading during afternoon trading. Furthermore, the annual central bank conference in Jackson Hole, WY begins next week where Fed Chairman Warsh will be speaking at Friday morning. Look for details on all of next week’s activities in Sunday evening’s weekly preview.

Float / Lock Recommendation

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.