It’s nearly impossible to consume any news these days without coming across the government shutdown. As always, we’re not interested in the politics of the matter–just the question of whether or not the housing and mortgage market should care.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
How Will The Government Shutdown Affect The Mortgage and Housing Markets?

This week’s main event was the scheduled policy announcement from the Fed. As was the case two meetings ago, the Fed opted to hold its policy rate unchanged, but almost every other interest rate in the US moved sharply higher. What’s up with that?
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
If The Fed Didn't Hike, Why Did Mortgage Rates Hit Long Term Highs?

The Fed is not expected to change its rate this time around, but even when the anchor holds steady, the Fed can say things that cause hope and fear about how the anchor might move in the future. In turn, this can cause movement in other rates–sometimes significant movement.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Fed Won't Move Its Rate, But Rates Could Still Move

While it’s impossible to predict the future when it comes to financial markets, it’s usually possible to identify the events that have higher potential to cause bigger swings. Other times, volatility strikes on days when it wasn’t entirely expected.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
Rates Defended The Ceiling This Week; Bigger Battles Ahead

Depending on the company you keep over this Labor Day weekend, you might hear that rates are high, housing in the verge of collapse, and the economy is headed for a hard, recessionary landing. Or you might hear that rates are coming down, housing has turned a corner, and the economy remains surprisingly resilient. No one is wrong, yet, and it’ll be a while before we find out who’s right.
Source: Kevin Litwicki MBSLIVE
It's Complicated, But Also Simple