What’s driving current mortgage rates?
Mortgage rates today changed very little today, following the release of Consumer Sentiment index. Analysts expected it to remain unchanged at 100.7. Mortgage borrowers, however, got good news — the index came in unexpectedly ly low at 97.8.
That’a big drop, and it means consumers surveyed felt less confident about their finances. That’s a big deal because the US economy is two-thirds driven by consumer purchasing. If we aren’t buying, stocks aren’t rising — and neither are mortgage rates.
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Financial data that affect mortgage rates
Today’s indicators are a mixed lot, with the most concerning being the yield on Treasuries. Treasury prices tend to rise when overseas investors lose confidence in their own economies. That pushes their prices higher and rates down. The flip side is that when foreign investors are confident, they pull out of Treasuries, prices fall and rates rise.
- Major stock indexes are down (good for rates)
- Gold prices fell $5 an ounce to $1,278 (bad for rates, because falling gold prices usually accompany economic confidence, which usually drives rates bond prices down and rates up).
- Oil remains at $57 a barrel (neutral because it has not changed. However, oil over $50 is concerning, because higher energy prices play a large role in creating inflation, and last week, oil was hovering around the $50 mark)
- The yield on ten-year Treasuries rose an alarming 5 basis points (5/100th of one percent) to 2.39 percent (bad or mortgage interest rates, because mortgage rates tend to follow Treasuries)
- CNNMoney’s Fear & Greed Index remained at 54, neutral. This is neutral because it did not change. And good because less “greedy” investors tend to turn from stocks and to bonds and mortgage-backed securities. Higher bond prices push rates lower.
Mortgage rates today remain very favorable for anyone considering homeownership. Residential financing is still affordable.
Monday
There are no scheduled economic reports on Monday.
Rate lock recommendation
Mortgage rates have been relatively stable this week, and today’s reporting did little to change that. If you are closing in, say, 16 days, you might want to wait a day or two and get a 15-day rather than a more-expensive 30-day lock. If you’re closing in 32 days, it’s probably worth holding out for a 30-day timeline.
In general, 30-day is the standard price most lenders will (should) quote you. The 15-day option should get you a discount, and locks over 30 days usually cost more.
If you want to “set it and forget it,” though, current mortgage rates are attractive enough to make that an okay move.
- LOCK if closing in 7 days
- LOCK if closing in 15 days
- LOCK if closing in 30 days
- FLOAT if closing in 45 days
- FLOAT if closing in 60 days
Check your options with CONNECT MORTGAGE CORP for LOCK OR FLOAT recommendation