A Look into the Markets
Interest rates hover near the best levels since September, despite several good economic readings reported. Let’s discuss what happened and see what is coming next week.
“Hey, alright now And don’t it feel good” – Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
Economy Grew to Finish 2022
Gross Domestic Product, a measure of economic growth, for the Fourth Quarter 2022 showed the economy expanded at a 2.9% annual rate, down slightly from the 3.2% rate in the Third Quarter 2022. Seeing the economy grow in the back half of 2022 after negative growth in the first half of 2022 is good news.
This positive reading elevates the chance of a “soft landing” by the Fed, where they hike rates to slow inflation but do not slip us into a recession.
Unemployment Line is Historically Short
Initial Jobless Claims for December came in at 186,000…the lowest reading in 9 months. This is also good news as it tells us the length of the unemployment line. If the amount of people signing up for first time unemployment benefits remains near historical lows, it further lowers the chance of a recession. Moreover, it highlights the continued strength in the labor market, and this is paramount as jobs buy homes. Yes, we want interest rates to move lower but if someone doesn’t have a job or is in fear of losing their job, they can’t commit to a home purchase. Let’s hope the labor market remains strong as the Fed continues to hike rates to slow demand and lower inflation.
New Home Construction Costs Coming Down
The National Association of Homebuilders reported that building materials costs, less energy, are up 8.3% which is a big increase annually. However, the price growth is down a staggering 60% as input costs increased over 16% in 2021.
We should expect input cost growth to slow further in response to slower demand and further reopening of supply chains. This is another positive theme as we move through 2023.
Smaller Fed Rate Hike Still Priced In
One of the headwinds to the economy is the threat of higher short-term rates by the Federal Reserve. The good news there? After four consecutive .75% rate hikes, followed by a .50% hike in December, the financial markets are fully pricing in a smaller .25% hike at next week’s Fed Meeting.
The markets also believe the Fed will raise rates by another .25% in March and then pause to allow all the hikes that date back to last summer to seep into the economy.
This means the Terminal Rate, or the fancy way of saying the peak in the Fed Funds Rate, is going to be in a range of 4.75- 5.00%. From there we will have to continue to watch the standoff between the Fed who says they want to keep rates higher for longer. Additionally, with no rate cuts this year versus the financial markets, which are starting to “price in” as many as two rate cuts later this year.
Bottom line: The economy is showing mixed signals, but the labor market remains strong, and we are nearing the end of Fed rate hikes. So, the plan to land the U.S. economy softly and avoid a deep recession remains very much in play. That is good news for housing and the economy.
Looking Ahead
Next week is Fed week. As of this moment, the markets fully expect the Fed to raise rates by .25%. Anything other than that would be a surprise and generate a lot of market volatility. The Fed generally looks to avoid sending the market mixed signals but the markets will be on edge.
Mortgage Market Guide Candlestick Chart
Mortgage-backed security (MBS) prices determine home loan rates. The chart below is a one-year view of the Fannie Mae 30-year 5.5% coupon, where currently closed loans are being packaged. As prices go higher, rates move lower and vice versa.
MBS prices are right at a ceiling of resistance, which is limiting further improvement in rates. Next week’s Fed Meeting may very well determine if prices can muster up enough energy to blast through this ceiling and bring even lower rates.
Chart: Fannie Mae Mortgage Bond (Friday January 27, 2023)
Economic Calendar for the Week of January 22 – 26
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A Look into the Markets
This week, interest rates touched the lowest levels in two months on the idea that inflation may have peaked. Let’s break down what happened and look into Thanksgiving Week.
“Well I’m going down. Down, down, down, down, down” Going Down by Jeff Back
10-yr Note Touches 3.67%
The 10-yr Note yield touched 3.67% this week, a large rate improvement from 4.23% seen the previous week. The downtick in long-term rates also fed into home loan rates, which have declined as much as .50% in the last week or so.
The big question? Does this decline in rates have “legs” and will it continue?
Peak Inflation Equals Peak Rates
The readings on inflation suggest that we may have just seen the peak in inflation. We will want to see future inflation readings to confirm this, but long-term bonds, which are forward-looking, appear to be pricing at a peak.
Do not tell the Federal Reserve that inflation may have peaked. There were several Fed speakers out this week saying that inflation is still a problem, and they want to keep rates higher for longer.
Short-Term – Higher for Longer
Remember, when the Federal Reserve says they want rates higher for longer, they are talking about the Federal Funds Rate, which is an overnight rate that banks lend to each other. The Federal Funds Rate affects short term loans like credit cards autos and home equity lines of credit.
It is important to note that while the Fed Funds rate may increase by another 1.25% between now and next May, long-term rates like the 10-yr Note and mortgages, may have already peaked.
Smaller December Hike
The financial markets are now pricing in a high probability the Federal Reserve will only raise rates by .50% next month. Additionally, the markets are also sensing the Terminal Rate, or peak in the Fed Funds Rate will be 5 to 5.25% achieved by May of 2023. The Fed will attempt to lift rates that high and keep them there if the economic readings will support it.
Should we see the labor market struggle and inflation come down even further, the Fed may be forced to do less hikes. As the old saying goes, time will tell.
Bottom line: Home loan rates have improved. With more inventory coming to market and many sellers eager to make deals, now could be a great time to consider taking advantage of the opportunities in housing.
Looking Ahead
Next week we celebrate Thanksgiving, which means bonds are closed Thursday and only open a half day on Friday. There is also little in the way of economic data, with just Durable Goods Orders and Consumer Sentiment on Wednesday. There will be plenty of Fed speakers out to remind us of the need to hike rates more.
Mortgage Market Guide Candlestick Chart
Mortgage-backed security (MBS) prices determine home loan rates. The chart below is a one-year view of the Fannie Mae 30-year 5.5% coupon, where currently closed loans are being packaged. As prices go higher, rates move lower and vice versa.
You can see on the right side of the chart the Green Candles moving higher means a nice improvement in rates. For rates to improve further, we need to see MBS climb above $101, which will serve as a ceiling of resistance.
Chart: Fannie Mae Mortgage Bond (Friday Nov 18, 2022)
Economic Calendar for the Week of November 21 – 25