This Market Update is written by our Capital Market specialists each week to bring you insight into what's happening in the market and how it may affect mortgage rates and real estate trends.
For the week of Sept 29th – Oct 5th, 30-year and 15-year interest rates continued to increase. However, the economy is still solid with strong job openings data indicating a strong labor market despite the Fed’s tightening. When will we finally get some relief from sky-high mortgage rates? Probably not until later next year, but we may start to see rates inch down in the coming weeks and months, depending on certain key economic indicators. Yesterday’s ADP numbers showed 89,000 jobs created – significantly lower than the 180,000 in August and 160,000 forecasted for September – a sign that the economy is slowing. As inflation comes down, mortgage rates should follow. The Fed has indicated that it's watching for sustained signs of slowing inflation, and it's not going to lower rates again any time soon.
Mortgage rate forecasts through mid-2024
Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association predict that mortgage rates will fall next year, but they disagree about the fourth quarter of 2023.
Fed Watch: Looking ahead, all eyes are now on the upcoming November 1st Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. According to the CME Group, 23.6% of forecasters predict an increase in interest rates, while 76.4% predict rates will remain the same. None of the forecasters expect rates to decrease.
Per Black Knight's Production Metrics, the breakdown of mortgage production volume is as follows: 63.49% for purchase transactions, 34.23% for cash-out refinances, and 2.28% for rate and term refinances.
Per Black Knight 78.23% of all Retail loan production were Government Loans (FHA, VA, USDA), while 21.71% were Conventional and Non-Conforming loans.
*Communication is intended for Industry Professionals only and not intended for Consumer Distribution
Interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) are based on current market conditions as of 09/28/2023, are for informational purposes only, are subject to change without notice and may be subject to pricing add-ons related to property type, loan amount, loan-to-value, credit score and other variables. Estimated closing costs used in the APR calculation are assumed to be paid by the borrower at closing. If the closing costs are financed, the loan, APR and payment amounts will be higher. Contact us for details. Additional loan programs may be available. Accuracy is not guaranteed, and all products may not be available in all borrower's geographical areas and are based on their individual situation. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. actual interest rate, APR, and payment may vary based on the specific terms of the loan selected, verification of information, your credit history, the location and type of property, and other factors as determined by Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC. Not available in all states. Rate is as of 09/28/2023 and is subject to change at any time without notice. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and other views contained in this document are those of Freddie Mac's economists and other researchers, do not necessarily represent the views of Freddie Mac or its management, and should not be construed as indicating Freddie Mac's business prospects or expected results. Although the authors attempt to provide reliable, useful information, they do not guarantee that the information or other content in this document is accurate, current, or suitable for any particular purpose. All content is subject to change without notice. All content is provided on an "as is" basis, with no warranties of any kind whatsoever. Information from this document may be used with proper attribution.