The advantage of a floating interest rate is that it can offer flexibility. When interest rates are low, borrowers can benefit from reduced interest payments. However, if interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing will also increase.
Month-to-month inflation rose at a pace of 0.20 percent in July and met analysts’ expectations. There was no change in the pace of month-to-month inflation from June’s reading of 0.20 percent growth. The Consumer Price Index also reported that year-over-year inflation reached 9.10 percent, which was the highest reading since reaching a 40-year high in mid-2022.
Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings on construction spending, public and private sector payroll growth, and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.
The Federal Reserve raised its target interest rate range to 5.25 to 5.50 percent; this announcement signaled that rates for home loans and unsecured credit would also rise.
The Consumer Price Index for June rose 0.20 percent in June as compared to May’s reading of 0.10 percent growth and expectations of 0.30 percent month-to-month growth. The core CPI reading, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, fell to 0.20 percent growth in June as compared to May’s month-to-month reading of 0.40 percent growth.
Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings on construction spending, June’s FOMC meeting minutes, and reports on jobs and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.
Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week. The average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by four basis points to 6.71 percent; the average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by three basis points to 6.06 percent.
Last week’s scheduled economic reports included readings on housing starts, existing home sales, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s congressional testimony. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.
Homeowners weren’t in a hurry to sell their homes due to the low mortgage rates they obtained during the pandemic. Current mortgage rates are higher than pandemic-era rates, which influenced homeowners to stay in their homes and keep their lower existing mortgage rates.
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on U.S. housing markets, sales of previously-owned homes, housing starts, and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.