U.S Mortgage Rates Rise but Remain Well Below the 3% Mark

Mortgage rates rose for the first time 5-weeks in the week ending 29^th July.

Following a 10 basis points decline from the previous week, 30-year fixed rates increased by 2 basis points to 2.80%.

While on the rise, 30-year mortgage rates have risen just once beyond the 3% Since 21^st April.

Compared to this time last year, 30-year fixed rates were down by 19 basis points.

30-year fixed rates were still down by 214 basis points since November 2018’s last peak of 4.94%.

Economic Data from the Week

It was a quiet first half of the week on the U.S economic calendar.

Economic data included house price figures alongside durable goods and consumer confidence numbers.

A pickup in consumer confidence in July and a continued rise in durable goods orders were key in the week.

On the monetary policy front, the FED left policy unchanged mid-week, which was in line with market expectations. While delivering a positive economic outlook, FED Chair Powell continued to downplay any tapering plans.

After a risk-off start to the week, positive IMF economic growth forecasts for the U.S delivered further support to riskier assets in the week.

A continued rise in new COVID-19 cases globally remained a test market risk appetite, however.

Freddie Mac Rates

The weekly average rates for new mortgages as of 29^th July were quoted by Freddie Mac to be:

• 30-year fixed rates rose by 2 basis points to 2.80% in the week. This time last year, rates had stood at 2.99%. The average fee remained unchanged at 0.7 points.

• 15-year fixed declined by 2 basis points to 2.10% in the week. Rates were down by 41 basis points from 2.51% a year ago. The average fee remained unchanged at 0.7 points.

• 5-year fixed rates fell by 4 basis point to 2.45%. Rates were down by 49 points from 2.94% a year ago. The average fee fell from 0.4 points to 0.3 points.

According to Freddie Mac,

• Home owners and buyers continue to benefit from some of the lowest mortgage rates of all-time.
• Largely due to the current environment, the 30-year fixed-rate remains below 3% for the 4^th consecutive week, while the 15-year fixed-rate hits another record low.

Mortgage Bankers’ Association Rates

For the week ending 23^rd July, the rates were:

• Average interest rates for 30-year fixed with conforming loan balances decreased from 3.11% to 3.01%. Points decreased from 0.43 to 0.34 (incl. origination fee) for 80% LTV loans.
• Average 30-year fixed mortgage rates backed by FHA decreased from 3.08% to 3.03%. Points rose from 0.31 to 0.35 (incl. origination fee) for 80% LTV loans.
• Average 30-year rates for jumbo loan balances decreased from 3.13% to 3.11%. Points decreased from 0.32 to 0.27 (incl. origination fee) for 80% LTV loans.

Weekly figures released by the Mortgage Bankers Association showed that the Market Composite Index, which is a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased by 5.7% in the week ending 23^rd July. In the week prior, the index had fallen by 4.0%.

The Refinance Index increased 9% and was 10% lower than the same week a year ago. The index had fallen by 3% in the previous week.

In the week ending 23^rd July, the refinance share of mortgage activity increased from 64.9% to 67.2%. The share had risen from 64.1% to 64.9% in the week prior.

According to the MBA,

• The 10-year Treasury yield declined last week as investors grew concerned about increasing COVID-19 case counts and the downside risks to the current economic recovery.
• Refinance applications jumped in response to 30-year fixed rates falling to their lowest level since Feb-2021. The 15-year fell to another record low dating back to 1990.
• The purchase index fell for the 2^nd consecutive week to its lowest level since May-2020 and has now declined on an annual basis for the past 3-months.
• Potential buyers continue to be put off by extremely high home prices and increased competition.
• The FHFA reported that May home prices were 18% higher than a year ago, continuing a 7-month upward trend.

For the week ahead

It’s a busier first half of the week. Economic data includes private sector PMIs and ADP nonfarm employment change figures.

We can expect the ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI and ADP nonfarm employment change figures to be key.

From elsewhere, private sector PMI figures from China and the Eurozone will also influence market risk sentiment,

Away from the economic calendar, COVID-19 news updates will remain a key driver, however.