Mortgage Rates Still Giving Back Coronavirus Gains

By: Matthew Graham •

Mortgage rates have spent just over a week moving back up from the lowest levels in more than three and a half years.  Those long-term lows came courtesy of the panic surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, which led investors to move more money into safe havens like bonds.  When demand for bonds rises, rates fall, including mortgage rates.  

The move back up coincides with a steady decrease in the level of panic surrounding the outbreak.  Global stock markets have not been shy about reversing coronavirus-related losses, with US stocks actually back to all-time highs.  Chinese equities haven't made up nearly as much ground by comparison.  And finally, the bond market (which dictates interest rates) isn't anywhere close to its pre-coronavirus levels.  

All of that having been said, rates are still moving in that direction.  The safest bet would be to assume that move can continue as long as coronavirus panic continues to so subside.

 See Rates from Lenders in Your Area


Loan Originator Perspective

Rates were largely unchanged Wednesday, despite Treasury yields rising yet again.  The Wuhan virus panic seems to be subsiding, which won't help rates.  I am locking loans closing within 45 days for all but exceptionally risk craving clients. - Ted Rood, Senior Originator


Today's Most Prevalent Rates For Top Tier Scenarios 

  • 30YR FIXED - 3.375 - 3.5%
  • FHA/VA -3.25%
  • 15 YEAR FIXED - 3.125-3.25% 
  • 5 YEAR ARMS -  3.25-3.75% depending on the lender


Ongoing Lock/Float Considerations 

  • 2019 was the best year for mortgage rates since 2011.  Big, long-lasting improvements such as this one are increasingly susceptible to bounces/corrections 

  • Fed policy and the US/China trade war have been key players (and more recently, the coronavirus outbreak).  Major updates on either front could cause a volatile reaction in rates.  

  • The Fed and the bond market (which dictates rates) will be watching economic data closely, both at home and abroad, as well as updates on other factors like trade and viral epidemics. The stronger the data the more rates could rise, while weaker data will lead to new long-term lows.  
  • Rates discussed refer to the most frequently-quoted, conforming, conventional 30yr fixed rate for top tier borrowers among average to well-priced lenders.  The rates generally assume little-to-no origination or discount except as noted when applicable.  Rates appearing on this page are "effective rates" that take day-to-day changes in upfront costs into consideration.