The Mortgage Market
Imagine the Mortgage Bond Market as a giant auction house where banks sell bundles of mortgages to investors. These bundles are like big boxes filled with lots of mortgages from different people.
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Now, investors are like bargain hunters at this auction. When the economy's doing great, they're eager to buy these bundles because they see them as safe investments.
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But here's the kicker: the price of these mortgage bundles affects mortgage rates. When investors are clamoring for them, prices go up, and mortgage rates go down. Conversely, if investors aren't so keen, prices drop, and mortgage rates rise.
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Treasuries
Why do we care about Treasuries? Well the 10-year Treasury is the benchmark for long-term interest rates set by the government. Think of it as the weather vane for the economy's wind direction.
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Now, why does it matter for your 30-year fixed mortgage rate? Well, it's like this: when investors are feeling jittery about the economy, they flock to the safety of Treasury bonds. It's like seeking shelter in a storm.
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So, when demand for Treasuries shoots up, their prices go up, and their yields drop. And guess what? Mortgage rates often follow suit, especially the 30-year fixed ones. The more people want it, the higher the price goes.
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Conversely, when the economy's humming along smoothly, investors might ditch Treasuries for riskier but potentially more rewarding investments. This can push Treasury yields up, and mortgage rates tag along for the ride.
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That's why keeping an eye on the 10-year Treasury is like peeking into a crystal ball for mortgage rates. It gives you a hint of what's brewing in the economy and where those rates might be headed.