Overall, trading today has been a range-bound affair with prices above yesterday’s lows and below yesterday’s highs. Traders call this an “inside day” which is simply a neutral pattern. Expecting mortgage pricing to hold steady is a pretty good bet.
Today there will be a vote in the House on the Fair Trade Act which basically will designate China as a currency manipulator. The next step is for the bill to be sent to the Senate. It is not expected to pass in the Senate, at least before the November 2 elections and the November G-20 meeting (Korea Nov 11-12).
In the "for what it’s worth" department, top analyst Meredith Whitney has a bearish call on equities (stocks) and expects the U.S. economy to have a rough second half. If true, expect Austin mortgage rates to stay low into 2011.
The economic data took a backseat to events in Europe again this week. Improved sentiment about the troubles in Europe influenced the willingness of investors to purchase riskier assets such as stocks, hurting bond markets. As a result, after dropping to the lowest levels of the year, Austin mortgage rates ended the week a little higher.
With Austin mortgage rates/pricing at the best levels of the year and the 10 year note hitting 2010 low yields, the time is right for borrowers to lock in their Austin mortgage rates. Perfect time for Austin borrowers to use the exclusive float down program offered by Max Leaman at PrimeLending Austin. Call Max at (512) 293-1239.
Even though this morning’s calendar has had its fair share of data, most markets have been quite with little volatility. Currently, the 10 year note is off 3/32’s (yield 3.72%), mortgage backs off 2/32’s, and stocks off 35 points on the big board.
While investors began the week watching for fresh information about Greece and China, the Fed stole the spotlight on Wednesday with news that was unfavorable for mortgage markets, and mortgage rates ended the week moderately higher.
Global events in China and Greece had a significant impact on US mortgage markets this week, but in opposite directions. In addition, demand was much weaker than average for the 10-year and 30-year Treasury auctions, which pushed up yields. The net result was a slight increase in mortgage rates from last week.
While the economic data released this week had little impact, mortgage rates were heavily influenced by two big stories. One was an announcement that China will take steps to slow its economic growth and the other was President Obama's proposed new restrictions on the activities of financial institutions.
What is catching trader’s eyes this morning is China and their latest release of GDP. The plus 10.7% has the Dragon breathing fire and Wall Street worried about overheating.
