Guest Post – Tradition Mortgage’s Weekly Update September 28, 2015
Heads Up, Yellen Says Hike Coming Soon
On Thursday night, Fed Chair Yellen gave her first speech since the Fed meeting on September 17. She clarified many of the issues which had created uncertainty for investors. She said that she expects that a federal funds rate hike will be appropriate before the end of the year. She also reassured investors that the U.S. economy is strong enough to handle a rate hike. She noted that the impact of global economic weakness on the U.S. was not likely to be significant enough to have much influence on future Fed policy. After her speech, global stock markets rallied and mortgage rates gave back much of the previous week’s gains
Meanwhile, the housing market keeps chugging along as more positive data was released last week. August new home sales increased 6% from July to the highest level in over seven years. New home sales were 22% higher than a year ago. While August existing home sales decreased a little from July, they remained near multi-year highs.
Week Ahead
Factors: The important monthly Employment report will be released on Friday. As usual, this data on the number of jobs, the Unemployment Rate, and wage inflation will be the most highly anticipated economic data of the month.
Volatility: High
Trend: Slightly Higher
Today’s rate snapshot: 30-day lock rates as of 9/28/2015 8:45AM:
30-year Fixed (conforming): 3.875% (3.99%APR*) same as last week
15-year fixed (conforming): 3.125% (3.25% APR*) same as last week
7-year ARM (conforming) 3.25% (3.375% APR*) same as last week
30-year Fixed (jumbo) 3.75% (3.875% APR**) same as last week
*Based on 70% LTV, primary residence, rate and term refinance and purchase, 175k minimum loan size, 30-day lock. Rates subject to change at any time based on bond market pricing fluctuations. **Minimum loan size for a jumbo loan is $418,000. This information is intended for professional reference only, and not intended for consumer use. Additional qualifications and disclosures apply.
Have a great week!
Jim Krantz
Vice President
NMLS # 761955
Jim.Krantz@TraditionLLC.com
Direct 952.252.4488 / Cell 612.716.9999 / Fax 952.252.4489
Tradition Mortgage LLC
NMLS # 286998
4350 Baker Rd Suite 190 / Minnetonka, MN 55343 / www.TraditionWest.com
