A Calmer Week Brings Lower Rates and Renewed Optimism: Raleigh Market Update – 04/17/2025
A Calmer Week Brings Lower Rates and Renewed Optimism
After weeks of market turbulence, the mortgage landscape experienced a welcome period of stability. This shift is encouraging for homebuyers and homeowners considering refinancing, as mortgage rates have reached their lowest levels since early April.
📉 Market Movements: A Return to Stability
The week began with lingering concerns over U.S.-China trade tensions and comments from President Trump regarding Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. However, by midweek, the administration signaled a more measured approach to tariffs, easing investor anxiety. This change in tone led to a rally in both stock and bond markets.
Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) saw significant gains:
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UMBS 30-Year 5.5%: Increased from 98-16 on Monday to 99-07 by Thursday.
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UMBS 30-Year 6.0%: Rose from 100-18 to 101-04 over the same period.Mortgage News Daily
These improvements in MBS prices contributed to a decline in mortgage rates, offering better terms for borrowers.
📊 Economic Indicators: Mixed Signals
Economic data released during the week presented a mixed picture:
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Retail Sales: Increased by 1.4%, slightly above expectations.
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Industrial Production: Decreased by 0.3%, indicating some softness in manufacturing.
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Capacity Utilization: Dropped to 77.8%, suggesting underused industrial capacity.
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NAHB Housing Market Index: Rose to 40, reflecting improved builder sentiment.
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Weekly Jobless Claims: Fell to 215,000, signaling a strong labor market.
These indicators suggest a resilient economy, which supports the housing market and consumer confidence.
💰 Mortgage Rates: A Welcome Decline
The combination of calming trade tensions and positive economic data led to a decrease in mortgage rates:
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30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage: Averaged 6.99% by Thursday, down from earlier highs.
This decline presents an opportunity for potential homebuyers and those considering refinancing to secure more favorable loan terms.
🏠 What This Means for You
For residents in Raleigh and the surrounding areas, the recent dip in mortgage rates could make homeownership more accessible and refinancing more beneficial. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to refinance, now may be an opportune time to explore your options.
📞 Connect with Certified Home Loans
At Certified Home Loans, we’re committed to helping you navigate the mortgage landscape. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in finding the right loan to meet your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about how the current market conditions can work in your favor.
