In the past 2 weeks, press coverage of the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook has ramped up significantly. The Fed is now expected to start hiking rates in March and to hike more than previously expected in 2022. If you think that gives you time to get a mortgage before rates go up, think again.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Fed May Be Hiking in March, But Higher Rates Are Here Today

Seemingly overnight, the mortgage rate narrative has changed rather drastically, at least in relative terms. While rates had risen gradually from near-all-time lows in August, they were still in a historically low range by the end of December. 1 week later and we’re at the highest levels in 2 years.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Highest Mortgage Rates in Nearly 2 Years

Sure, we could write a headline that attempts to distill the concept of a big picture struggle between the forces exerting upward pressure on rates and those stepping in to push back in the other direction. Or we could just introduce the “not so fast” line, and let a chart do the talking.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Introducing The "Not So Fast" Line

Financial market volatility increased noticeably after the emergence of the omicron variant. Last week, that proved to be good for rates and bad for stocks. This week was a different story.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Volatility Has Been High, But Next Week Could Be Worse

Several developments are converging on the global economy and financial markets at the moment. Each brings its own causes for concern. Together, they bring a significant increase in volatility.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Should We Be Worried?

Just when it looked like the current week would fizzle out on a negative note for rates, our least favorite market mover is back in the news.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
New Covid Variant Rocks Markets; New Loan Limits Next Week

Winter is coming, both literally and figuratively. While the fallout remains to be seen, financial markets are already reacting.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Winter is Coming, But That's Good For Rates

Several of the most popular sources for mortgage rate data are way off the mark this week.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Mortgage Rates Are Actually Much Higher This Week

This week saw the Fed announce a reduction in its bond buying. In separate news, the big jobs report was much stronger than expected. Both of these things events should have pushed rates higher. So why didn’t they?
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Why Did Rates Completely Ignore This Week's Bad News?

For anyone following interest rates very closely in 2013, the taper tantrum is not easily forgotten. It describes the bond market’s knee-jerk response to the realization that the Federal Reserve will be winding down its bond purchase program. With the Fed almost certain to make a similar announcement next Wednesday, should we be scared yet again?
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Don't Fear The Taper