After weeks of lower bond prices and higher yields, the cure for higher rates may be higher rates as the uptick in yield could be luring in buyers. Reports now read that Japan may become a net buyer of U.S. Treasury securities after being a net seller for quite some time. One of the continued tailwinds for relatively low rates here in the U.S. is the ridiculously low rates around the globe.
Also on the radar in the weeks and months ahead could be the continued rise in the U.S. stock markets. The possibility of the bullish sentiment for stocks may be fueled by new stimulus on the way as states continue to reopen fully and if rates stabilize. The U.S. economy could be on track for a breakout year. The Atlanta Fed is forecasting a whopping 8.3% gain in Q1 2021 Gross Domestic Product!
So what does this mean for mortgage rates? If we continue to see some stabilization in yields, we may see some modest improvement in rates. At the same time, we should expect a continued rise in rates as the economy improves. The Federal Reserve has said as much in the past few weeks.
Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist, said, “While purchase activity remains high, it has cooled off over the last few weeks and is currently on par with early March 2020, prior to the pandemic. However, the rise in mortgage rates over the next couple of months is likely to be more muted in comparison to the last few weeks, and we expect a strong spring sales season.”
Bottom line: Home borrowing costs remain historically low, and now is a good time to get off the fence and jump into home ownership.
Source: Mortgage Market Guide
