Guest Post – Tradition Mortgage’s Weekly Update January 11, 2016
Overseas Issues Push Rates Lower
Several events caused investors around the world to shift their holdings to safer assets. On Monday, Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran, raising tensions between these two major powers in the Middle East. On Wednesday, North Korea announced that it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb. Weaker than expected economic data in China released this week also was positive for mortgage rates.
U.S. Job Numbers Up Big
Despite troubles abroad, the U.S. job market surged in December. Against a consensus forecast of 200K, the economy added 292K jobs in December. Upward revisions to prior months added another 50K. The U.S. added an average of 284K jobs over the last three months, and 2.65 million jobs were added in 2015.
Surprisingly strong job gains often cause mortgage rates to move higher. However, there was little net change in rates after this report. One reason is that average hourly earnings, an indicator of wage growth, fell short of expectations with a flat reading. The lack of wage inflation was positive news for mortgage rates.
Week Ahead
Factors: The JOLTS report, will come out on Tuesday. JOLTS measures job openings and labor turnover rates. Retail Sales and the Producer Price Index (PPI) will be released on Friday. Consumer spending accounts for about 70% of economic output in the U.S., and the retail sales data is a key indicator.
Volatility: Moderate
Trend: Neutral
Today’s rate snapshot: 30-day lock rates as of 01/11/2016 1:15PM:
30-year Fixed (conforming): 4.875% (4.00%APR*) down .125% from last week
15-year fixed (conforming): 3.125% (3.25% APR*) down .125% from last week
7-year ARM (conforming) 3.375% (3.50% APR*) down .125% from last week
30-year Fixed (jumbo) 4.875% (4.00% APR**) down .125% from 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
