In the wee hours of the morning following election day last year, markets were in a state of complete disarray–especially bond markets (which dictate rates). After a significant improvement initially, rates embarked on their single worst trading day since the 2013 taper tantrum. Bottom lines, rates surged higher. Did they know something back then about where we’d end up today?
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Inevitable Showdown Finally Arrives

Financial markets (or just “stocks and rates,” to be specific) started the week flat, thus leaving spotlight on a stellar home sales report. But by the end of the week, markets stole the show as they reacted to political headlines.
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Home Sales Blast Off But Rates Take Wildest Ride

Both the Senate and House tax bills leave some homeowner tax incentives on the chopping block. Critics decry the move as a major blow to the housing market. If they’re right, the housing data released this week will soon look like a collector’s item.
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Home Construction at 2017 Highs as Markets Wait on Tax Reform

Last week was dominated by the release and parsing of the GOP tax bill in the House. This week the Senate fired back with its own bill. Stocks and bonds both lost ground in response, but is the tax bill the only scapegoat? Is it even the most important scapegoat?
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Senate Fires Back at House Tax Bill–What it Means For Housing And Rates

The GOP tax bill dominated news headlines this week, especially after its official announcement on Thursday. The housing industry was quick to judge several of the provisions as having massively negative impacts.
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Just How Much Could The Tax Plan Affect Housing?

There was a striking disparity in two separate reports on home sales this week. According to one, things are great and look to be firing on all cylinders. According to the other, things are “less upbeat” to put it mildly. Which one is telling the truth?
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Home Sales Lying? And Why Are Rates Flying?

Some weeks are fairly straightforward with one or two defining moments and clear takeaways in the economic data. This was not one of those weeks!
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
More Than Meets The Eye in Housing and Rates This Week

Rates have been doing more rising than falling recently. Home sales have leveled-off, and we’re entering the slower time of year for the housing market. If you wanted to be pessimistic, you’d have evidence for your case. But how about an opposing argument?
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
4 Great Reasons Housing Has Room to Run

Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Resilient Housing Data and Record Stock Prices Ahead of Long Weekend

Much was made of the Trump administration’s tax plan, officially released this week. At first glance, it caused rates to spike in the middle of the week, abruptly derailing a decent recovery. But how much credit does it deserve?
Source: Kevin Litwicki Universal Lending
Rates Spike, Home Sales Slide, Blame The Tax Plan?