Rate Lock Advisory

Tuesday, January 15th

Tuesday’s bond market has opened in positive territory, partly due to favorable economic news. The major stock indexes are showing moderate gains of 72 points in the Dow and 88 points in the Nasdaq. The bond market is currently up 3/32 (2.69%), but weakness yesterday should keep this morning’s mortgage rates nearly unchanged from Monday’s early pricing.

3/32

Bonds

30 yr - 2.69%

72

Dow

23,982

88

NASDAQ

6,994

Mortgage Rate Trend

Trailing 90 Days - National Average

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

Indexes Affecting Rate Lock

High

Positive

Producer Price Index (PPI)

December's Producer Price Index (PPI) was posted at 8:30 AM ET this morning, giving us some insight into inflationary pressures at the producer level of the economy. The overall reading fell 0.2% while the core data that excludes volatile food and energy prices slipped 0.1%. Both readings were weaker than forecasts, indicating inflationary pressures at the manufacturing level were subdued last month. That is good news for bonds and mortgage rates because weaker signs of inflation make longer term securities more appealing to investors.

Medium

Unknown

Geopolitical/Financial Issues

Also worth mentioning is a key vote taking place today in Britain about their proposed plan to exit the European Union. There are rumors that the vote may not pass parliament. If that is the case, it raises the possibility of Britain breaking away in March without an agreed upon plan in place. That would likely cause noticeable volatility in the markets as it would raise concerns about the impact on the global economy. In other words, a failed vote today should be taken as favorable news for mortgage rates, at least temporarily.

Medium

Unknown

Fed Beige Book

Tomorrow morning has no important economic data set for release, but the Federal Reserve will post their Beige Book at 2:00 PM ET tomorrow. This report is named simply after the color of its cover and details economic conditions throughout the U.S. by Fed region. Since the Fed relies heavily on this info during their FOMC meetings, its results can have a fairly big impact on the financial markets and mortgage rates if it reveals any surprises. Of particular interest is information regarding inflation, unemployment or future hiring. If there is a reaction to the report, it will come during mid-afternoon trading.

Float / Lock Recommendation

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float 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.