Overall, we do not see that the fundamental economic picture has changes much at all. Technically, we are in an intermediate term bear market correction. One that could push the market to yields on the 10 year of 2.75%/2.78% (currently 2.70%). If correct, we should see good support from the 62% Fibonacci level (comes in around 2.75%).
Austin mortgage borrowers are encouraged to take advantage of any rallies. Too many cross currents leads to high levels of volatility. Play it safe and take advantage of your opportunities!
The Mortgage Bankers Association's weekly survey showed purchase loan applications UP 1% from the week before, refinance applications UP 6%, and Austin mortgage rates at record low levels
Short term, Austin mortgage borrowers are encouragerd to stay defensive. Fast money is selling the long end of the curve, dragging the 10 year note along with it. Not a lot of downside is expected from here. The week ahead will feature Case Shiller Home Prices, Consumer Confidence, Durable Goods, Weekly Claims, and GDP on Friday.
Worries about European banks, UK austerity measures, US Housing, and the beginning of a two day FOMC meeting are all on today’s marquee. Stress tests and downgrades on banks across the pond got the early morning trade going.
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 National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported the Pending Homes Sales index rose in April for the third month in a row, registering a 6% increase over the upwardly revised March figure. This index measures the number of homebuyers signing purchase contracts. April Pending Home Sales hit their highest level since October 2009 and are UP 22.4% year-over-year. Like Existing and New Home Sales the week before, a good part of the gain was put to the tax credit expiration that required a signed contract by April 30. The NAR also forecast new home sales will be UP 18.5% for the year.
While inflation remained low, stronger than expected economic data released this week was negative for mortgage markets. As a result, Austin mortgage rates ended the week a little higher.
New Home Sales were also released, up 26.9% to 411K annual units. The print blew away economists estimates of plus 330K. Every region of the country rebounded with the “South rising again”, up 43% month on month. Although the numbers were great, they are coming off the worst month (February) in 22 years. The gains also smell of the last mad rush for 8K in buyers credit money before we put that program to bed the end of next week.
The tactical bias for Austin mortgage rates and pricing is to remain neutral, trading a range on the 10 year note between 3.75% and 3.82%. Stocks want clarity on the Goldman/SEC issue which will lead bonds to react accordingly. Our work on the 10 year note chart is providing neutral to bullish trend signals and overbought conditions at the same time. Classic example of a mixed bag.
