Mortgage Demand Surges as Rates Drop After Two-Month High
Mortgage demand surged as 30-year fixed rates dropped to 6.86%. Home purchase applications rose 12%, driven by improved inventory and buyer confidence.
Oman’s Banking Sector, Anticipating Revitalized Credit Landscape in 2023
Oman’s financial landscape is primed for positive shifts, as indicated by the Central Bank of Oman’s Credit Conditions Survey. Forecasts for 2023 highlight increased credit demand across households, corporates, and SMEs, underpinned by a potential surge in lending growth. The survey echoes a robust appetite for corporate credit, especially in sectors like services, manufacturing, and transportation. Additionally, the SME sector is expected to thrive, reflecting the government’s commitment to entrepreneurial support. Overall, Oman’s banking realm seems poised for a buoyant trajectory in the year ahead.
Australia’s Housing Market Remains Resilient to Rate Hikes, S&P Analysis Reveals
Australia’s housing market continues to display strength and resilience, as highlighted by a recent analysis conducted by S&P Global Ratings. The report suggests that the country’s home-loan market is well-prepared to handle potential interest-rate hikes without experiencing a significant surge in mortgage arrears. A robust economy, low unemployment rates, and sound financial management contribute to the market’s stability. While challenges may arise in the future, the findings provide valuable insights into the current state of Australia’s housing market and its ability to withstand economic pressures.
Consortium of Chinese Banks Agree to Fund Port Terminal in Peru
A consortium of Chinese banks have agreed to lend $975 million for the construction and development of the Chancay Multipurpose Port Terminal, located 67 km north of Lima in Peru.
Swedish inflation runs red hot in December, raising pressure on Riksbank
Swedish consumer prices rose more than expected in December, hitting double digits and a fresh 30-year high in an outcome that raises pressure on the central bank to keep cranking up interest rates after four hikes last year.
UK banks start cutting ‘Truss premium’ from mortgage rates, but slowly
Having hiked mortgage rates after political turmoil drove up the cost of borrowing, British banks are now cutting home loan prices, albeit slowly, as markets calm since Liz Truss’s government collapsed and Rishi Sunak took power.
Analysis: British banks’ mortgage payday comes with sting in the tail
While British households head into a winter of soaring energy costs, a tumbling currency and nearly double-digit inflation, the country’s banks are in line for a handsome payday as mortgage prices spike after a decade of stagnation.
Mortgage News: Interest rates are on the rise!
Mortgage interest rates are rapidly rising, which is affecting loan demand, particularly refinances. Total mortgage application volume fell 8.1 % last week compared to the previous week, as per the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index. For 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with acceptable loan balances ($647,200 or less), the average contract interest rate jumped to 4.50 […]
Explainer: The U.S. yield curve has been flattening – Why you should care
The U.S. Treasury yield curve has been flattening over the last few months as the Federal Reserve prepares to hike rates, and some analysts are forecasting more extreme moves or even inversion.
‘Big Short’ Burry exits bearish bets on Tesla, Google
Fund manager Michael Burry of “The Big Short” fame exited bearish bets on Tesla Inc (TSLA.O), Alphabet Inc’s (GOOGL.O) Google, and fund manager Cathie Wood’s ARK Innovation fund (ARKK.P) last quarter, according to SEC filings released on Monday.
