If you’re following mortgage rates because you know they impact your borrowing costs, you may be wondering what the future holds for them. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to answer that question because mortgage rates are notoriously hard to forecast. At the same time, there are markers that assist us in explaining today’s mortgage rates.
One thing that historically is a reliable indicator of what’ll happen with rates moving forward, is the relationship between the 30-Year Mortgage Rate and the 10-Year Treasury Yield. Below is a graph that illustrates those two metrics since Freddie Mac started keeping mortgage rate records in 1972:
As the graph shows, historically, the average spread between the two over the last 50 years was 1.72 percentage points (also commonly referred to as 172 basis points). If you look at the trend line you can see that when the Treasury Yield trends up, mortgage rates will usually respond. And, when the Yield drops, mortgage rates tend to follow. While they typically move in sync like this, the gap between the two has remained about 1.72 percentage points for quite some time. But, what’s crucial to notice is that spread is widening far beyond the norm lately (see graph below):
Seeing this you may be asking yourself: What’s pushing the spread beyond its typical average? Primarily it’s because of uncertainty in the financial markets. Factors such as inflation, other economic drivers, and the policy and decisions from the Federal Reserve (The Fed) are all influencing mortgage rates and the widening spread between the 30-Year Mortgage Rate and the 10-Year Treasury Yield.
Why Does This Matter for You?
While this statistic may feel overly technical and granular, here’s why homebuyers like you should understand the spread. Based on the normal historical gap between the two, it means that there is room for mortgage rates to improve today.
And, experts think that mortgage rate improvement is what lies ahead as long as inflation continues to cool. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains:
“It’s reasonable to assume that the spread and, therefore, mortgage rates will retreat in the second half of the year if the Fed takes its foot off the monetary tightening pedal . . . However, it’s unlikely that the spread will return to its historical average of 170 basis points, as some risks are here to stay.”
Similarly, an article from Forbes says:
“Though housing market watchers expect mortgage rates to remain elevated amid ongoing economic uncertainty and the Federal Reserve’s rate-hiking war on inflation, they believe rates peaked last fall and will decline—to some degree—later this year, barring any unforeseen surprises.”
Bottom Line
If you’re either a first-time home buyer or a current homeowner thinking of moving into a new home that better fits your current needs, it makes sense to keep on top of what’s happening with mortgage rates today and what experts think will happen in the coming months.
And, whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, Bay Shores Real Estate stands ready to help you. We are a partnership of professionals, each dedicated to helping people find the life they love. One with more free time, less financial stress, and less worry. Our firm brings all of the key real estate-related services discerning clients need, together under one roof. Whether it’s for your primary home, your vacation property, or your B&B rental, our team of professionals is here for you.
