Tanking Retail Sales Encourage Lower Mortgage Rates

By Stevie Duffin Updated on 1/14/2015

Disappointing retail sales signaled good news for MBS buying. Mortgage bonds are currently going strong thanks to the combination of European headlines and the 0.9 percent drop in December retail activity. Economists had predicted retail sales to increase by 0.1 percent. Watch for falling mortgage interest rates. 

The latter half of this week will be most significant for economic reports. For more potential mortgage rate movers, check back tomorrow for NY Fed manufacturing, Philly Fed business, and jobless claims, and Friday for CPI, a measure of inflation. 

Tuesday: Today's trading dynamics are leaving MBS in slightly weaker territory. Watch for static or rising mortgage interest rates.

Bookmark this page for daily mortgage rate updates:

• 30 year (FRM) rates at 3.68 (-0.01).
• 15 year (FRM) rates at 3.02 (0.00).
• FHA 30 year Fixed rates at 3.25% (0.00).
• Jumbo 30 year Fixed rates at 3.61% (-0.01).
• 5/1 ARM rates at 3.23% (0.00).