Frank Nothaft Quotes

Worry about disinflation should now be tempered somewhat, but fear of inflation is still unwarranted. And that should keep mortgage rates from rising too quickly or steeply anytime in the near future. - Frank Nothaft

With the unemployment rate at a low of 4.3 percent and mortgage rates remaining at present affordable levels, we expect the housing market to continue to be strong into the coming months. - Frank Nothaft

With the conflict in Iraq seemingly under control, the financial markets have shifted focus back onto the economy. Freddie Mac's most recent economic forecast recognizes that the first half of the year may be slower than originally thought, but that the second half will begin to pick up. - Frank Nothaft

With still little or no threat of inflation to be found, long-term mortgage rates this week had some breathing room and that allowed rates to drift a little lower. - Frank Nothaft

With productivity up and inflationary pressures muted, the Federal Reserve Board elected this week not to change a key short-term interest rate. Moreover, most other economic data releases, such as unemployment and manufacturing, painted a slightly negative picture for future economic growth. These factors combined to keep mortgage rates stable. - Frank Nothaft

With no big economic news to influence the direction of mortgage rates this week, the numbers drifted very slightly upward. We see this trend continuing throughout 2006, with the 30-year FRM ending the year at about 6.3 percent as the housing market eases back from last year's record setting levels toward a somewhat more normal rate of activity. - Frank Nothaft

With mortgage rates low and consumer confidence high, Freddie Mac economists expect the housing market to remain strong in the months ahead. - Frank Nothaft

With mortgage rates continuing to slip, a new wave of refinancing has appeared. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, applications for refinance jumped 15 percent last week, near the record high set in March. And according to Freddie Mac's quarterly refinance review, the average age of a refinanced loan fell to 1.9 years in the first quarter of this year. - Frank Nothaft

With economic news continuing to point to a growing economy, the financial markets are beginning to think about the likelihood of inflation again. Not only that, but jobs creation, retail sales, and consumer prices jumped in March which buoyed market speculation that the Federal Reserve Board will raise rates sooner than expected. Add all that to the mix and mortgage rates were bound to rise this week. - Frank Nothaft

While we still expect mortgage rates to rise to perhaps as high as 6.50 percent by the end of the year, that escalation in rates will be gradual and restrained. - Frank Nothaft

Page 1 of 35

Next -> Last ->>