Slow and steady wins the race, and mortgage rates have been making slow, steady progress back down from recent long-term highs seen at the end of March. Over that time, the average conventional 30yr fixed rate quote has fallen anywhere from .125 to 0.25% depending on the lender. That's not a bad move over the course of 2 weeks and especially in an environment where lenders have every right to be defensive. After all, there have been numerous "false starts" for the sort of winning streak we're currently enjoying.
Beyond that, with rates so closely tied to covid and the economy, "higher rates in 2021" has been an easy thesis for market watchers. Anything that runs counter to that will need to bring a compelling explanation. It's no surprise, then, to see the "pause" of the J&J vaccine in the news this morning just before rates enjoyed another modest drop.
Be careful though. These are small-scale moves in the bigger picture. Unless progress against the pandemic is legitimately derailed, we can't count on the good times to stick around for too much longer. This could even be as simple as the market "taking a break" from the prevailing trend before deciding on the pace and timing of the next move.
BY: MATTHEW GRAHAM
Mortgage Rates
30 Yr FRM : 3.25%
5 Yr FRM : 2.72%
FHA 30 Year Fixed : 2.75%
Jumbo 30 Year Fixed : 3.32%
5/1 Yr ARM : 2.64%