(Bloomberg) — President Donald Trump said he would announce his nomination to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell within “the next few weeks” despite the backlash over a Justice Department probe into the remodeling of the central bank’s headquarters that has threatened his ability to secure a confirmation. Processing Content Trump was asked about his […]
Trump says furor over Powell probe won’t delay Fed pick Read More »
Just 14% of the economists surveyed by Wolters Kluwer expect the Federal Open Market Committee’s next short-term rate reduction to take place at its January meeting. Processing Content Overall, the Blue Chip Economic Indicators panel consensus is for two cuts during this year to the Fed Funds Rate and none next year, with almost no
Economists forecast just 50 basis points of Fed cuts in 2026 Read More »
A mostly flat December jobs report points to more of the same for housing and mortgage markets. Processing Content The U.S. added 50,000 non-farm payroll jobs last month, while the unemployment rate came in at 4.4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The numbers edged down from 64,000 new jobs in November and a
Latest jobs report quashes rate cut expectations Read More »
Mortgage rates are starting 2026 marginally higher, according to Freddie Mac, with many observers expecting them to approach and possibly even move below the 6% barrier. Processing Content “In the first full week of the new year, mortgage rates remained within a narrow range, hovering close to the 6% mark,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s
Conforming mortgage rates should remain around 6% in 2026 Read More »
Key Insight: Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin believes that as businesses gain confidence in the country’s robust economic demand and adjust to the new policy environment in Washington, hiring and investment should increase in the year ahead. Expert Quote: “Going forward, policy will require finely tuned judgments balancing progress on each side of our mandate.”
Fed’s Barkin optimistic about market uncertainty in 2026 Read More »
Flush with deposits, U.S. banks are buying up mortgage bonds and betting that the asset class will get a further boost in 2026 from relaxed capital rules.Late last year, commercial bank holdings of mortgage paper reached the highest level since 2023, and stood at more than $2.7 trillion toward the end of December, according to
Banks snatch up MBS that notched best returns since 2002 Read More »
The 30-year fixed rate mortgage is ending 2025 at its lowest point for the year, but still in the same flat range it occupied since late October, according to Freddie Mac. Processing Content The rate for this mortgage averaged 6.15% on Dec. 31, down from last week when it was at 6.18%, the Freddie Mac
Conforming mortgage rate ends year at low point Read More »
A key mortgage rate fell to its lowest point since the end of October and was one basis point higher than its 2025 trough but remained in the same general range it has occupied in the fourth quarter, Freddie Mac reported. Processing Content “The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased further this week,” said Sam Khater,
Benchmark mortgage rate drops to second lowest point in 2025 Read More »
The mortgage industry is still weighing the impact of the latest Federal Open Market Committee short-term rate reduction on housing. Processing Content But reflecting trends prior to the meeting in the benchmark 10-year Treasury used to price mortgages, the 30-year fixed rate gained 3 basis points, while the 15-year climbed 10 basis points, the Freddie
Mortgage rates higher after FOMC rate cut priced in Read More »
In a highly expected move, the Federal Reserve cut its federal funds rate on Wednesday, but Chairman Jerome Powell’s comments ultimately may have more influence on whether policy provides a boost for lenders and home buyers. Processing Content The central bank slashed its funds rate by 25 basis points at the close of the Federal
Fed moves won’t move needle on housing — yet Read More »