It was a volatile week for mortgage rates, reacting to mixed economic data and unexpected comments from Fed Chief Bernanke. The various influences roughly offset each other, though, and mortgage rates ended the week essentially unchanged, even for a mortgage in Michigan. Testifying before Congress on Wednesday, Fed Chief Bernanke caused a swift move higher […]

The Greek bailout package was passed on Monday as expected, and there was little reaction in US markets. Mixed US economic data also had little influence. Strong Treasury auctions were the biggest factor for mortgage rates this week, and rates ended the week a little lower. Investors are beginning to focus on the price of […]

Increased optimism that a Greek bailout package will be approved on Monday caused investors to shift to riskier assets, which was negative for mortgage rates. Mixed US growth and inflation data had little net impact. Mortgage rates ended the week a little higher. After several weeks of uncertainty, it appears that European officials are close […]

With little US economic news this week, investors focused most of their attention on Europe, where Greece is attempting to avoid a debt default. A lack of progress in Greece late in the week caused a minor flight to safety, and mortgage rates ended slightly lower than last week. For most of the week, it […]

The most significant influence on mortgage rates this week was Friday’s Employment report, which was much stronger than expected. Events in Europe have had less impact on US markets in recent weeks. While mortgage rates moved lower early in the week, they ended the week a little higher. Friday’s Employment data exceeded expectations in nearly […]