Last Week's Mortgage Rate Recap: Rates moved higher 👎
Even though the Fed cut its policy rate last week, mortgage rates still rose. This is because the rate cut had already been priced into mortgage rates back in November, contributing to earlier rate improvements. However, new projections from Fed members signaling only two rate cuts in 2025 pushed rates higher last week.
This Week's Mortgage Rate Forecast: Rates should remain about the same 👍
Mortgage rates are not likely to change much between now and the end of the year as trading activity slows for the holidays. Markets have already adjusted for fewer expected Fed rate cuts in 2025, along with concerns about potential increases in inflation and continued economic and labor market strength. Significant declines in mortgage rates are unlikely as we head into 2025.
What's affecting rates this week:
- Christmas: Markets will close early Tuesday and will be closed on Wednesday, as will most mortgage lenders.
- Reduced trading volume: Traders tend to take the last couple of weeks of the year off, resulting in reduced trading volumes that can sometimes cause some fluctuation in day-to-day mortgage rates. However, it is unlikely rates will make any big moves before year-end.