It’s no secret that late 2017 and early 2018 were anything but pleasant for fans of low rates. Average mortgage rates and Treasury yields shot higher at their fastest pace since the 2016 presidential election. Even after that spike, there are still plenty of reasons to fear they may continue higher, and that’s exactly why they could go lower.
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Could The Top Already Be In For Rates?

This week’s most prevalent financial headlines focused on the risk of a global trade war as the White House took its first official steps toward raising tariffs on goods imported from China. Although the stock market seemed to care quite a bit, interest rates and housing data were relatively unfazed. Here’s why:
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Why Housing And Rates Are Mostly Ignoring Trade War Drama

It’s no great mystery that refinance activity slows to crawl any time rates are at long-term highs, but what about the purchase market? While there are some challenges (inventory, affordability, etc.), purchases aren’t simply ‘surviving’ the recent upturn in rates.
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
It's All About The Purchase Market Right Now

Last week ended with rates at risk of shifting sideways after a decent recovery from multi-year highs. Not only did rates go sideways. They didn’t move at all!
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
A Truly Uncanny Week For Mortgage Rates

There were two key considerations for financial markets this week: the first congressional testimony by new Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the announcement of new trade tariffs by the White House. Both caused volatility in the short term and raised questions for the future.
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Market Reacts to Tariffs and New Fed Chair