Here is your weekly update with some talking points. First, a happy birthday greeting to my older brother, Steve!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mortgage rates continue to rise. No surprise there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The latest Freddie Mac average for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 7.40%, up from 7.28% the previous week. The 10-year Treasury yield closed Friday at 5.24%, down from 5.31% earlier in the week. While this improvement is encouraging, inflation concerns and higher oil prices continue to put pressure on mortgage rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bond market is closed Monday<\/em>, October 12, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n THIS WEEK’S BIGGEST RATE MOVERS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Wednesday, October 14 Wednesday’s CPI report will likely be the biggest market-moving event of the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thursday, October 15 Friday, October 16 Why It Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This may sound like a broken record, but inflation remains the biggest concern for the bond market, especially with energy prices rising again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If inflation comes in higher than expected: If inflation continues to cool: Iran and the Bond Market<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The conflict involving Iran continues to influence mortgage rates by affecting oil prices and inflation. Over the weekend, attacks on Saudi Arabia and additional tanker incidents near the Strait of Hormuz increased concerns about Middle East oil supplies. Brent crude has climbed to about $106 per barrel, reversing some of last week’s gains. Higher oil prices increase transportation and production costs, adding to inflation concerns. That can push the 10-year Treasury yield and mortgage rates higher. However, geopolitical uncertainty can also cause investors to purchase Treasuries for safety, which pushes yields lower. For now, the biggest concern is that continued disruptions to oil supplies will keep inflation higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n U.S.\u2013China Update<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Following last month’s meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the USA and China have made progress on trade discussions and communication between our governments. For mortgage rates, reduced trade tensions are generally positive because fewer tariffs limit increases in imported goods prices. However, the impact has been small. Oil prices, inflation, government borrowing, and Fed policy remain much bigger problems for mortgage rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Federal Reserve Outlook<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Fed raised its benchmark rate by 0.25% in September, bringing the target range to 3.75%\u20134.00%. The next Fed meeting is scheduled for October 27\u201328. This week’s CPI and PPI reports will be key in determining whether the Fed raises rates again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Financing Spotlight: Omitting a Departing Residence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I talked about this last week, but it is an important tool for sellers who need to sell before they buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a financing strategy that can help borrowers qualify when purchasing a new primary residence while keeping their current home. With certain loan programs, we may be able to omit the departing residence payment from the borrower’s qualifying ratios rather than requiring them to qualify with both housing payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basic requirements include: \u2022 At least 20% equity in the departing residence Here is your weekly update with some talking points. First, a happy birthday greeting to my older brother, Steve! Mortgage rates continue to rise. No surprise there. The latest Freddie Mac average for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 7.40%, up … Continue reading
\u2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI)
\u2022 Core CPI Inflation Report
\u2022 Federal Reserve Beige Book<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Producer Price Index (PPI)
\u2022 Retail Sales
\u2022 Weekly Jobless Claims<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Import & Export Price Indexes
\u2022 Industrial Production<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Treasury yields could move higher
\u2022 Mortgage rates could remain under pressure
\u2022 The Fed may consider additional rate increases<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Bond markets could improve
\u2022 Treasury yields could move lower
\u2022 Mortgage rates may get some relief<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Required reserves of 12-24 months of the total monthly payment for the departing residence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"