Freddie Mac has released its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) for the week ending November 10, 2021. The PMMS reports that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.98% with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.09%.
News in end use
Weekly Jobless Claims Decline Further in the Week Ending November 6, 2021
The U.S. Department of Labor is reporting that an additional 267,000 Americans made their initial filing for unemployment benefits during the week ending on Saturday November 6, 2021 — a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week’s revised level. This is the lowest level for initial job claims since March 14, 2020, when it was 256,00.
Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index Increases Modestly in October
On Monday (11-8-21), Fannie Mae released their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) for October. The October HPSI increased one point to a reading of 75.5, with consumers expressing mixed feeling on the current homebuying and home selling markets. In addition, a good majority of those polled felt pessimistic toward the overall financial landscape of the U.S. economy.
NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index Moves Lower in October
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), one of the largest small business associations in the U.S., reported today (11-9-21) that their NFIB Small Business Optimism Index dropped -0.9 points to a reading of 98.2 in October. The NFIB Uncertainty Index dropped -7 points to a reading of 67, the lowest level since January 2016.
Mortgage Credit Availability Increased Slightly in October
The Mortgage Banker Association (MBA) today (11-9-21) released their Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI), which analyzes data from Ellie Mae’s AllRegs® Market Clarity® business information tool, for October. According to the MBA, the MCAI rose 0.1% to 125.7.6 in October. Increases in the index are indicative of loosening credit.
The Fed Says China’s Real Estate Issues Could Impact the U.S.
On Monday (11-8-21), the U.S. Federal Reserved released its latest Financial Stability Report (FSR), which is released twice a year. In the report, the Fed said, “Stresses in China’s real estate sector could strain the Chinese financial system, with possible spillovers to the United States.” The report pointed to the size of China’s economy and financial system, and global trade links.
Producer Price Index for Final Demand Increases 0.6% in October
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today (11-9-21) that the Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand, seasonally adjusted, increased 0.6% in October. Final demand prices previously rose 0.5% in September and 0.7% in August.
Shares of Loans in Forbearance Continued to Decline in the Week Ending October 31, 2021
The latest Mortgage Banker Association’s (MBA) Forbearance and Call Survey reports that the total number of loans now in forbearance decreased by 9 basis points from 2.15% of servicers’ portfolio volume in the prior week to 2.06% as of October 31, 2021. According to MBA’s estimate, 1 million homeowners are in forbearance plans.
Consumer Credit Expands in Q3 2021
On Friday (11-5-21), the Federal Reserve released their G.19 report for Q3 2021. With further analysis provided by the National Association of Home Builder (NAHB), the report shows that non-real estate-secured consumer credit increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 5.6% in Q3 of 2021, with revolving debt increasing by 7.4% and nonrevolving debt increasing by 5.1%.
Higher Mortgage Rates and Tight Supply of Homes For Sale Increase Buyer Urgency
According to the latest report from Redfin, the technology-powered real estate brokerage firm, home prices moved unseasonably higher and quicker sales became more common in October. In the 4-week period ending October 31, the national median sale price increased 13% year-over-year to $357,007 and 1.5% from just 3-weeks earlier. This is compared to a 0.1% increase during the same time period in 2019.