Tag: Rates

08_20_2021_blog

Market Commentary 8/20/21

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Bonds Market Eyes On Jackson Hole For Direction On Interest Rates

It was a dramatic week of market swings, surging covid hospitalizations, international conflict, and conflicting messaging by the Fed on the course of monetary policy. The equity markets were very choppy and a look at the averages was not representative of the draw-down many equities experienced this week. Volatility rose, retail sales softened, and the prospect of continued QE increased as the Delta variant continues to create havoc. While a full shutdown of our economy is unlikely, the virus is slowing down certain sectors of the economy. Economists have lowered GDP estimates and consumer sentiment has waned. Many analysts believe the next few months could see volatility rise as the modern world struggles to normalize around Covid. Homebuilders’ sentiment also dropped. How long the Fed can be ultra-accommodative? Inflationary pressures have squeezed margins on everything and as a result, we’re seeing increased pricing across the country. Housing prices are at peak levels and are outpacing income growth. 

All eyes will be on the Jackson Hole economic symposium next week in Wyoming when Fed chair Jerome Powell takes the stage to speak on monetary policy. There have been fairly strong sentiments supporting the reduction of QE support of our economy. However, the combination of a poor sentiment reading, international tension, and advancing Covid infections may conspire to reshape the Fed’s view to wait longer. The downside of waiting is inflation. While the inflation readings do show some signs of inflation leveling off, most Americans across the country are feeling the pinch. Small businesses are also hurting as wage inflation eats into profits.

On the mortgage front, the volume has moved to more niche products. Interest rates have been at near historically low levels for over 19 months, and by now many Americans have either purchased or refinance their homes. This has shifted the focus of loan origination to more complex, non-traditional lending. This aligns well with Insignia Mortgage’s expertise working with specialized local lenders, boutique banks, and credit unions to provide these types of complex loan packages for our clients.

08_13_2021_blog

Market Commentary 8/13/21

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Consumer Sentiment Dims As Rates Push Lower To End The Week

Interest rates dipped on a surprisingly negative consumer sentiment report which was the worst reading since 2011. The report was a surprise given the strength of the economy over the past many months and considering the positive trends in inflation, individual finances, and employment. Earlier this week, reports of tapering inflation were welcomed news to the stock and bond market. However, producer prices ran hotter than expected, so the direction for inflation remains a bit unknown.

Fed members have started talking about initiating bond tapering as we see improvements in employment, increased housing prices, and stronger personal finances. Some voting Fed members are pushing for a tightening of asset purchases in September. However, Fed Chair Powell has been adamant that he wants to run the economy hot for longer even with robust GDP growth and the highest inflation readings in years. A cross-current of thinking abounds on where we go from here, but a careful eye must be kept on the bond market in the coming weeks for signals on the overall health of the consumer and potential supply chain disruptions due to the Delta variant and impacts on retail in the US and globally.

07_30_2021_blog

Market Commentary 7/30/21

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Rates Lower On Covid Delta Fears

It was a big week for the markets. Big tech reported mixed results. While the earnings were strong overall, Facebook and Amazon warned of slowing growth. Bonds fell on Friday due to fears of economic slowdowns that may result from the rapidly spreading Delta variant. Also helping push yields lower was a better than expected inflation reading on the Fed’s favorite inflation gauge, the PCE (personal consumption expenditures). GDP grew at a strong clip, but below expectations. The combination of a lower than expected inflation reading and a slowing economy will provide some cover for the Fed to keep rates lower for longer although Fed officials are slowly warming up the markets for an eventual reduction in the ultra-accommodative monetary policies.   

A bipartisan infrastructure plan will help spur more growth in the U.S. economy. It is a welcome upgrade to our infrastructure and will provide high-paying jobs throughout the country while not raising taxes. 

Should the Delta variant prove to be a temporary setback, bond yields should drift higher over the coming months and therefore it remains prudent for clients to look to lock-in mortgage rates now versus waiting for lower rates in the future. The UK data is encouraging as new Covid infections are falling sooner than expected. While the virus remains an enigma, similar vaccination rates suggest that the course of the virus may follow the UK path. We sure hope so.    

07_02_2021_blog

Market Commentary 7/2/21

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Bond Yields Dip On June’s Jobs Report

A better than expected June jobs report was met with a small bond rally. While the headline numbers were good, the bond market response to the report suggests bond traders may be expecting a slowing economy in the months ahead. However, given the Fed’s involvement in the markets, true price discovery has been subdued as the Fed gobbles up over $120 billion of dollars of bonds each month. Also helping to push bond yields lower was a bond-friendly print on hourly wage increases which increased less than expected. Inflation is the arch-enemy of bonds and if wage inflation proves to be transitory that would be good for keeping bond yields lower for longer.  

This Fed-friendly jobs report may allow the Fed to keep ultra-accommodative monetary policies in place longer. The equities market will respond favorably, especially high-beta long-duration tech stocks. There is some concern that the Fed has hurt homeownership as ultra-low rates have pushed many housing markets up to record levels, making it very difficult for first-time home buyers and lower-income buyers to gain access to the housing market. 

With rates under 1.500% on the 10-year Treasury, we continue to recommend taking advantage of this. We’re in a uniquely fortunate period where you can lock in an interest rate lower than printed inflation. Times like this don’t last forever.