Employment Report Takes Center Stage in Rate Movement This Week

by Tyler Osby on May 3, 2010

When Rates Rise, They Rise Quickly

The week starts off with news that Greece reached a $147 billion bail out agreement with the IMF Sunday. This is a plus for the Eurozone and a negative for the mortgage market. Rates should rise on the bailout.

Also on Monday, the government releases Personal Consumptions and Expenditures data.

PCE is the Fed’s preferred gauge on inflation and it’s expected to show an annual read of 1.3 percent. Anything higher and rates should rise.

Then, for the rest of the week, employment data is key.

  • Wednesday : ADP releases its private sector employment data
  • Thursday : The government releases initial jobless claims
  • Friday : The government releases April’s job report

Jobs are key to the U.S. economic recovery, tied to consumer spending, consumer confidence, and mortgage delinquencies.  If job growth is better than we expected, mortgage rates should rise.  If job growth is worse, rates should fall. Bad news for the economy is good news for mortgage rates.  Generally.

There’s no “best day” to lock this week so keep an eye on the market.  However, if rates in Iowa rise as quickly in May as they fell in April, you won’t have much time to act.  The safe play seems to be locking in.

You Can Stay Updated!

I’ll be following things as they happen with live mortgage bond quotes and do what I can to keep everyone informed with live updates through Twitter.

As a Consumer, How Do You Keep Posted on the News?

I’ll do my best to keep you posted throughout the week via Twitter. If you’re interested in finding out more about what effects mortgage rates and which direction they’re headed, feel free to follow me!

Work With Mortgage Professionals In The Advice Business

It’s important to recognize that advice is extremely valuable when looking for a mortgage. The right advice can literally save you thousands of dollars, while the wrong advice can cost you the same.  Some mortgage professionals really don’t know what mortgage rates are based on, period.  If you want to get the best deal, having a professional that can give you that type of advice is extremely important.

Why Am I Posting A Calendar?

I provide this weekly news update because too often when we’re shopping around, we ask the wrong questions. The first thing you’ve got to have your antenna up on is economic news if you want to have any idea what direction rates are moving.

So You Say, What Are Mortgage Rates Currently?

I get this question all too often. If I’m being fair.. and honest (which is my policy). I would be doing you a huge disservice to just quote a rate.

Truth be told, there are literally 27 different factors that go into a custom rate quote. There are also thousands of programs (constantly changing as well). It’s extremely important that you are educated on what is available and most importantly what is the best mortgage plan for you to personally implement.

It’s natural to have a list of questions. I’d love to help work through them with you and educate you on what you need to know about the mortgage process. I can help with everything from how to pre-qualified to what to do after closing (where I will continue working for you)!

It’s what we do, and it would be my honor to add you to our list of raving fan clients. If you’re currently looking for a mortgage loan or know someone that might have questions about one, please have them contact me. I’d be happy to assist them. It’s literally what I love doing! I promise to take great care.

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