• November 7, 2024

The Fed Is Monitoring the Sharp Rise in Bond Yields

U.S. government bond yields have been on a run lately, moving sharply higher, and the Federal Reserve is keeping an eye. At a news conference Thursday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was asked if he was concerned about the growth risks presented by higher bond yields, given that inflation is trending lower. Powell said it was something the central bank was monitoring.

  • November 7, 2024

US 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rise to four-month high of 6.79%

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. mortgage rates increased to a four-month high this week and could rise further amid fears that President-elect Donald Trump's proposed economic policies could stoke inflation. The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbed to 6.79%, the highest level since July, from 6.72% last week, mortgage finance agency Freddie Mac said on Thursday. As supply remains below pre-pandemic levels, rising mortgage rates and elevated house prices have combined to stifle sales of previously owned homes, which hit a 14-year low in September.