Let’s start with the mortgage market: Today, bonds made a major comeback, and here's why it matters: The announcement of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary gave bonds a boost. He’s seen as a fiscally conservative choice, which could mean less government debt—great news for the bond market. What this means for you: Mortgage rates just dropped below 7%, but only slightly. If you’re considering buying or refinancing, this could be a great time to act. Market Highlights:8:41 AM: Strong start with
The Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce loves staying on top of trends that impact our businesses and community. This week, we’re highlighting key updates in both the economy and sports that resonate with our local spirit of resilience and teamwork! Economy Watch:Inflation is edging up—what does this mean for small businesses and families in our area? We’ll be monitoring closely as the Fed’s next moves could impact lending and spending trends.The job market remains steady, but openings are cooling.
Flat Market Vibes & Friday Night Football Thrills Bonds in Snooze Mode The bond market has been quieter than ever, with 8 straight trading sessions keeping 10-year yields in the tight range of 4.40–4.46%. Could this be the calm before the storm as December’s big reports approach? Key Economic Data HighlightsJobless Claims: 213k (better than forecast)Philly Fed Index: -5.5 (below the forecast of 8.0)Existing Home Sales: Slightly up at 3.96m The market wrapped up the day with the 10-year yield at 4.429%
Geno Auriemma isn’t just a coach; he’s a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and building an enduring legacy. His record-breaking 1,217 wins aren’t just about basketball—they’re about people, culture, and relentless excellence. Let’s dig into what makes Geno a leader for the ages:Vision: Seeing What Others Don’t When Auriemma took the job at UConn in 1985, the program was far from its powerhouse status. Most wouldn’t have bet on a dynasty emerging from Storrs, Connecticut. But Geno saw potential—not
Mortgage rates have been on a rollercoaster lately, reacting to global drama like cats deciding whether they want to go outside or stay in. Recently, Treasury yields rose as traders adjusted expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, influenced by positive economic data and easing geopolitical tensions. This bond market movement directly impacts mortgage rates, potentially increasing borrowing costs for homebuyers. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the housing market. But let’s
**Investors, Mortgages, and Mahomes: A Wild Week Recap** --- **Investors: Fed Says, "Relax, We Got This."** Fed Chair Jerome Powell reminded us all this week: *"Patience is a virtue."* Translation? No aggressive rate cuts are coming anytime soon. Why? Because the economy is still showing strength: - 4.1 percent unemployment - Strong consumer spending - Solid business investments **Inflation remains a concern:** - October PPI increased by 0.2 percent month-over-month and 2.4 percent
?? 30yr fixed mortgage rates technically dipped by 0.01% today... Yes, just a smidge! Is it life-changing? Not quite. But hey, it’s the little victories, right? ???? While it may feel like rates are standing still, the real action is happening intraday. Lenders are watching the bond market like hawks ??, ready to reprice faster than you can say, “interest rate rollercoaster!” ?? Today, the star of the show was the Consumer Price Index ??, giving us a tiny breather from inflation worries. It’s like the
Just when we thought mortgage rates might *finally* be cooling off — kinda like that moment when your favorite college football team miraculously squeezes into the Top 12 playoff spots — they’ve bounced back above 7% faster than a Georgia Bulldog linebacker blitzing for a season-saving sack against Tennessee. Last week’s dip below 7% was nice (like catching a free hot dog at the game ????), but here we are, back on the rate rollercoaster, screaming “Is this thing safe?!” So, what’s the play here? Picture
For the 76 million homeowners living in HOAs and condos, rising fees have become the norm. ?? Pool maintenance, landscaping, insurance — all going up! In fact, 2024 has seen association dues rise by 6% nationwide and up to 15% in places like Florida. ???? It’s like a surprise bill you didn’t want to see! Why the Spike? New regulations are pushing HOAs to keep their piggy banks fat, covering emergency repairs so they don’t have to suddenly say, "Hey, everybody, we need a little extra cash!" ???? But with
Fair Isaac (aka FICO) just gave us a new mortgage gift — a price hike! Instead of $3.50, lenders are now paying **$4.95 per score**. For a typical loan, that’s **$18 extra** if they pull credit twice for two borrowers. ?? And here’s the kicker: FICO’s price jump doesn’t end there. Credit bureaus pile on their own mark-ups too! It’s like a never-ending price ladder, each rung just a little more painful. ?? And guess what? Lenders don’t get to shop around — it’s FICO or bust. The government mandates it!
Surprise Rally in Treasuries Outpaces Fed Announcement as "Dip Buyers" Take the LeadEconomic Markets Surge Despite Expectations, Echoing Resilience Both on Wall Street and the Football Field November 7, 2024 – Despite widespread anticipation that the Federal Reserve’s 0.25% rate cut would drive today's bond market gains, the rally was already well underway before the Fed even made its move. Today's surprising upward movement in Treasuries and Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) has highlighted the market's
As financial markets react to election outcomes and shifts in economic policy, the question on everyone’s mind is: Does the Federal Reserve still matter in this environment? With bond yields moving rapidly and the financial world bracing for the Fed’s upcoming announcement, this press release provides insights into the impact of recent events on market rates and broader financial conditions. In anticipation of the Fed’s expected 0.25% rate cut on Thursday, market analysts note that recent bond movements
The 2024 presidential election results have brought renewed optimism to the bond market, with investors preparing for a period of dynamic growth and opportunity. As Donald Trump claimed victory, marking a new chapter in U.S. political leadership, analysts predict significant shifts across financial sectors. The bond market, in particular, is gearing up to respond to the potential policy changes on the horizon. After an overnight rollercoaster of market activity, driven initially by economic data releases
Kansas City, MO, and Washington, DC – It’s a high-stakes week for both sports fans and the American public, as the Kansas City Chiefs clinch a nail-biting overtime victory and Election Day 2024 keeps markets in suspense. With Americans voting to determine the nation’s 47th president and congressional seats, financial markets and mortgage rates have seen significant shifts as the nation watches the results roll in.Chiefs Recap:In a thrilling overtime performance, Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 30-24 win
In an unexpected twist for both financial markets and sports fans, recent events in the bond market and the New England Patriots' game offered a shared lesson: the importance of expecting the unexpected. In the financial world, Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) recently recorded a surprising 12,000 jobs—significantly below the forecasted 113,000. Historically, a low NFP report like this would usually lead to a rally in the bond market. However, contrary to expectations, bonds declined. Experts suggest three main
As the financial world holds its breath for the upcoming jobs report, all eyes are on the bond market, which has seen a week of surprising stability despite dramatic intraday swings. In a twist, the market's movements have been influenced more by international events—such as the recent UK bond sell-off—than by domestic economic data. With the jobs report due tomorrow, investors are wondering if it will finally be the catalyst for significant change. But never underestimate the power of this key economic
**Dodgers Take the World Series in Epic Comeback!** ? The Dodgers delivered one for the ages, overcoming a five-run deficit to clinch Game 5 against the Yankees, 7-6! Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, and the LA crew were relentless, seizing on *three critical Yankee errors* to grab the victory. Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts sealed the deal with clutch sac flies in the eighth, champagne popping by the end. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ season ends in heartbreak as they choke away Game 5, with miscues that’ll
In a double-dose of unexpected comebacks, Tuesday was a big night for the Yankees and a decent one for Treasury bonds! The Yankees gave fans something to cheer about with a thrilling 11-4 win over the Dodgers, while bond traders saw a tiny (we’re talking barely-there) rally of their own. For one night, both baseball and bonds proved they're still capable of delivering a surprise. Yankee Stadium Thrills Fans with Grand Slam Fans at Yankee Stadium were on the edge of their seats when Anthony Volpe’s epic
Financial markets and the sports world both reached a fever pitch this week, as bonds continued their sell-off streak, mortgage rates climbed back up to 7%, and some of the nation’s most-watched teams set the stage for unforgettable victories. In finance, bond markets took investors on yet another downward rollercoaster ride as consistent selling pressures linked to Treasury auction challenges and pre-election positioning pushed mortgage rates up by a significant 0.10% in a single day. This uptick