U.S. Mortgage Rate data. Source:YCharts.
Yet as you can see in the chart above, mortgage rate trends reversed in mid-2013, and that corresponded with comments from former Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke that the central bank would start tapering its quantitative easing activity as the economy improved. Just the threat of an end to bond buying sent mortgage rates up a full percentage point. Beginning last December, the Fed has reduced its monthly purchases of mortgage bonds from $40 billion to $20 billion as of last month, and many expect further reductions in future meetings.
With the Fed's purpose in buying mortgage bonds having been to keep rates low, pulling back will likely create upward mortgage rate trends that will make borrowing more expensive for home buyers. Rates are still low by historical standards, but rising rates will still threaten home affordability for many would-be buyers.
Federal Reserve building. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
2. Economic conditions look poised to improve.
Another thing that establishes mortgage rate trends and interest rates in general is the health of the economy, and right now, prospects for economic growth look good. Even after a tough winter in which many companies reported slowdowns, the Conference Board's Leading Economic Index has climbed almost 3% in the past six months. In particular, building permits contributed substantially to the recent gains, accounting for a quarter-percent boost in the LEI in April alone.
Mortgage rates don't always track the health of the economy. But with the Fed having based its zero-interest rate policy on economic sluggishness, a recovery is clearly what the central bank is looking for. Improving economic conditions will likely turn mortgage rate trends higher.
3. Uncertainty in the mortgage market could disrupt financing.
For years, government-sponsored enterprises government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have helped create a liquid mortgage market, supporting mortgage rate trends toward lower rates by buying mortgages that banks originate and packaging them into mortgage-backed securities. But since 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been in conservatorship, and the federal government is looking at winding the two hybrid entities down.
Source: Flickr/Future Atlas.
Prominent hedge fund investors have challenged the government's efforts, urging that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be privatized rather than allowed to disappear. For now, though, the government seems to be encouraging private competition by raising the fees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac charge. Higher fees mean higher mortgage costs for consumers, and until private competition emerges, the result could be less liquid mortgage markets that lead to upward mortgage rate trends.
Think long term
No matter what happens in the short run, mortgage rate trends look like they'll point upward, at least as long as the economy keeps improving. As a result, if you're thinking about buying a home, doing so sooner rather than later could get you cheaper financing than you're likely to see in the future.
These stocks beat the big banks...
Instead of depending on banks for mortgage loans, you can make money buying banking stocks. Over time, the dividends they pay can make you significantly richer. And guess what? The big banks are laggards when it comes to paying dividends. So instead of waiting for a cash windfall that may never come, check out these stocks these stocks that are paying big dividends to their investors RIGHT NOW. Click here Click here for the exclusive free report.
Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned, and neither does The Motley Fool. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 - 2014 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
