Last Week's Mortgage Rate Recap: Rates basically unchanged 👍
Mortgage rates remained steady last week, with minimal reaction to the Fed meeting and Fed Chair Powell's press conference. The Fed left its policy rate unchanged as expected, but didn't give any clear indication that it would stop cutting rates this year. Inflation data for the week also came in as expected, helping keep mortgage rates stable.
This Week's Mortgage Rate Forecast: Rates could be volatile ⚠️
Last week was calmer than expected, but this week could bring volatility. Markets are responding to tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, with stocks reacting more than bonds. Mortgage rates have already priced in the expected tariffs, showing minimal movement. Labor market data later this week could influence mortgage rates.
What's affecting rates this week:
- Tariffs: Markets will respond to tariffs and any countermeasures or retaliatory actions from affected countries.
- Labor market data: This week brings multiple reports about the labor market, including job turnover and layoffs, new jobs created, and unemployment numbers. Signs of labor market strength could pressure mortgage rates higher, while data signaling a weaker labor market could help rates.