For the week of October 3, 2022
Recap of last week: Rates slightly worse
Average mortgage rates moved higher last week, continuing a long trend of rising rates. Rates were volatile through the week as well, moving higher and lower day-to-day as markets reacted to events in England that spilled over into our markets and influenced mortgage rates.
Mortgage Rate Forecast: Rates could improve
Mortgage rates starting the week off with some improvement, and we could finally be in a spot to see rates improve for the first time in weeks. However, as with recent weeks, we do have a lot of economic data that could actually cause rates to move higher if it points to higher inflation and larger Fed rate hikes, so it is a good week to stay in close contact with your mortgage professional.
What's affecting rates this week:
- Economic data: A busy week for data with a few different reports. Friday's jobs data is the most likely to affect rates though. If jobs data comes in strong, rates will not like that news, because strong employment supports a bigger Fed rate hike in November.
- Fed speakers: Lots of Fed officials speaking this week, which can sometimes move rates around.
- Global economy: Early improvements this week were a reaction to England's announcement to reduce planned tax cuts.
