Mortgage rates had been moving higher over the past few days.  The average lender was at the highest levels of the month as of yesterday morning, but things began to change shortly thereafter.  Today's market movement added to the friendly momentum after the big jobs report came out slightly weaker than expected (in general, weaker economic data is good for rates).  By the end of the day, the average lender had erased yesterday's weakness, but didn't quite make it back to the levels seen on Monday and Tuesday.  That said, I'm splitting hairs by pointing out any difference between the two. 

The bigger picture continues to be the more interesting point of consideration.  For every rate-friendly anecdote there's an equal and opposite counterpoint at the moment.  This jives perfectly with the intensely sideways bigger picture pattern of the past few months, but it does nothing to suggest when it may end or WHY it may end. 

One logical guess is that a shift in the economic data will be the culprit, but that really depends on the market's ability to separate such a shift from the distortions we expect to see as trade barriers between the US and China are raised and lowered.  These have far reaching implications for the domestic and global economies and they'll make it a chore to separate the long-lasting momentum from temporary fluctuations. 

For now though, the average 30yr fixed rate is well under 4% and that's been the case for nearly half a year.  It's smooth sailing until it's not anymore!

Loan Originator Perspective

Bond markets continued Thursday's modest rally today, as a tepid NFP report helped boost bond demand.  We're near the best levels since early October, not sure how much more room for improvement we'll have without serious geopolitical strife.  I'm locking loans closing within 30 days. -Ted Rood, Senior Originator

Today's Most Prevalent Rates For Top Tier Scenarios 

• 30YR FIXED - 3.75%
• FHA/VA - 3.375%%
• 15 YEAR FIXED - 3.375% 
  
• 5 YEAR ARMS -  3.25-3.75% depending on the lender

Ongoing Lock/Float Considerations 

• 2019 was the best year for mortgage rates since 2011.  Big, long-lasting improvements such as this one are increasingly susceptible to bounces/corrections 
  
  
• Fed policy and the US/China trade war have been key players.  Major updates on either front could cause a volatile reaction in rates
  
  
• The Fed and the bond market (which dictates rates) will be watching economic data closely, both at home and abroad, as well as trade war updates. The stronger the data and trade relations, the more rates could rise, while weaker data and trade wars will lead to new long-term lows.  

• Rates discussed refer to the most frequently-quoted, conforming, conventional 30yr fixed rate for top tier borrowers among average to well-priced lenders.  The rates generally assume little-to-no origination or discount except as noted when applicable.  Rates appearing on this page are "effective rates" that take day-to-day changes in upfront costs into consideration.