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Mortgage Market News
This succinct analysis of the previous week’s news shows what’s happening in the markets and why.
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Home Sales and Construction Slip
April 22, 2024
Despite a pullback in sales and construction, the housing sector is showing signs of strength. Plus, Fed Chair Jerome Powell gave some hints about what may be ahead for rate cuts.
Consumer Inflation Hotter Than Expected
April 15, 2024
Inflation has improved significantly after peaking in 2022, but recent hotter than expected readings have stalled the progress lower.
Labor Sector Shows Signs of Strength
April 8, 2024
Job growth surpassed expectations in March, while home price growth remains strong ahead of the busy spring homebuying season.
Talking Points
Views on all the real estate news from the past week, deep dives on trending topics, a bit of inspiration, and more.
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Weekend Talking Points - 'Don't Mess With'
April 26, 2024
A very odd week, with solid new and pending home sales figures, but a “sneak peek” at Friday’s PCE that spooked the bond market even as the economy cooled.
Weekend Talking Points - 'Budding'
April 19, 2024
Another rough week for buyers, as mortgage rates approached 7.5% in response to a blistering retail sales figure and Jerome Powell’s crisis of (inflation) confidence.
Weekend Talking Points - '1-2 Punch'
April 12, 2024
It was a rough week for would-be buyers, as two of the most important economic data points (BLS jobs report and CPI inflation) both came in hotter than expected.
MBS Highway Housing Index
Real-time updates on homebuyer activity, pricing pressure and sales pace both regionally and nationally.
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March 2024 MBS Highway Housing Index
March 12, 2024
The strong, upward trajectory the MBS Highway National Housing Index experienced over the prior three months paused in March 2024, as mortgage rates reversed course and moved back above 7%. There was significant regional variation, however.
February 2024 MBS Highway Housing Index
February 13, 2024
February 2024 witnessed a massive increase in the MBS Highway National Housing Index, which rose 13 points to 55 (from 42 in January 2024). This was driven primarily by a 16 point jump in the Buyer Activity sub-index (from 33 → 49). While part of this increase is normal seasonality, there is little doubt that buyers have been reenergized by lower mortgage rates, slightly higher inventory, and the prospect of Fed rate cuts ahead.
January 2024 MBS Highway Housing Index
January 9, 2024
The MBS Highway National Housing Index jumped to 42 in January 2024, from 34 in December 2023. This was the second straight month of improvement after six months of decline. While normal seasonality is playing a supporting role in the turnaround, the lead actor has been the sharp fall in mortgage rates in late-2023.
Visionary Voices
This in-depth analysis by our team of experts on crucial topics like inflation, the Fed and economic data will help you address your clients’ biggest questions and concerns.
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Why Inflation Is Stuck in a Moment
April 10, 2024
Inflation has improved significantly after peaking in 2022, though the progress lower has been slowing. A key question remains: When will the Fed think inflation is low enough for them to start cutting the Fed Funds Rate later this year?
The Difference Between the Median Home Price and Appreciation
April 2, 2024
Many people are confused about what’s really happening with home prices here in the U.S. That's because there’s a difference between real appreciation and the metric that the media often discusses, which is the median home price.
Was Holiday Season Spending Really Strong?
February 16, 2024
While last year's holiday shopping season appeared strong, a closer look at both credit card debt and Buy Now, Pay Later programs reveal important details about the resiliency of consumer spending.
Product Updates
Enhancements we’re making to help industry professionals better serve their clients.
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Product Update Alert: Cost of Waiting
February 6, 2024
Our updated Cost of Waiting tool helps our subscribers demonstrate how delaying a purchase for even a year or two could cost buyers thousands in appreciation, amortization, equity and more.
Product Update Alert: Debt Consolidation
January 26, 2024
Our newly enhanced Debt Consolidation tool helps your clients achieve their financial goals and gain a better position to build wealth for their family.
Product Update Alert: Bid Over Asking Price
December 5, 2023
Expand your toolkit with MBS Highway’s Loan Advisor add-on and gain access to essential tools, including our recently enhanced Bid Over Asking Price tool!