Frank Nothaft Quotes on Finance (14 Quotes)

Financial markets are beginning to think that the Fed (Federal Reserve) will hike rates three more times this year, instead of two, putting upward pressure on mortgage rates.

The recent rise in the Consumer Price Index spooked the financial market, pushing interest rates a little higher this week, ... The decline in housing starts, however, mitigated concern that the economy is growing to fast and led to confidence that the Fed's actions are having the desired results.

Despite strong signs of economic growth, the financial markets were nonplussed, leaving mortgage rates to hover around the same affordable level for yet another week,

Financial markets see inflation as being well managed by the Fed, and that allows long-term interest rates to remain low, with mortgage rates even falling a little more this week.

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.

The Fed rate cut and Greenspan's recent remarks that the economy has hit a 'soft spot' had a huge impact on financial markets, ... Combined with the anticipation that the U. S. could soon be at war with Iraq, market sentiment turned toward the negative, driving mortgage rates to new lows again.

Financial markets are feeling more confident that the Fed will not raise rates any time soon. Add to that the fact that recent economic data shows core inflation is less than the market expects, and we see mortgage rates drop once again.

Feeling more comfortable about the upcoming economic rebound, the financial markets relaxed a bit this week. With the market more settled this week, interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages eased this week to the lowest rate in five weeks.

November's employment report was a letdown, and it brought mild disappointment to the financial markets, causing mortgage rates to recede. The lack of any job growth stalls the economic recovery and, in the long run, dampens the potential growth of the ho

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.

News that wages grew faster than had been expected in October reinforced fears of inflation in the financial markets, and that bumped up interest rates again this week.

In his speech to the Bay Area Council Conference last Friday, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan remarked that we were not out of the woods yet, leading the financial markets to suspect another rate cut may be in the offing. This brought about this week's drop in interest rates in anticipation of such an event.

Following the onset of the Iraqi conflict, financial markets seem to have an upward bias for mortgage rates. However, that's not to say that uncertainty has diminished in any large way, but that it has shifted to a different set of unknowns.

Over the past few weeks, financial markets have been gearing up for greater growth in the economy, which ultimately leads to higher inflation rates. As a result, mortgage rates increased for the second time this week.