Thursday, December 9, 2010

Mortgage Rates Head Up

Mortgage rates are increasing, which should slow prepayment rates and cause the mortgage market to begin to see its duration extend.  Should this trend continue, look for increased hedging activity and the effects on the treasury curve.



(AP) Rates on fixed mortgages rose for the fourth straight week this week, hitting 4.61 percent. The surge could slow refinancings and further hamper the housing market.
Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on a 30-year fixed loan increased sharply from last week's rate. And it is well above the 4.17 percent rate hit a month ago -- the lowest level on records dating back to 1971.
The average rate on a 15-year fixed loan rose to 3.96 percent. Rates hit 3.57 percent last month -- the lowest level since 1991.
Rates on five-year adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 3.60 percent, up from 3.49 percent. The five-year hit 3.25 percent last month, the lowest rate on records dating back to January 2005.
Rates on one-year adjustable-rate home loans slipped to 3.27 percent from 3.25 percent. 

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A student of the markets that has held portfolio management, analysis and trading positions for over 15 years.