Mortgage rates are on an upward trend, hitting highs not seen since July. This week marks the fourth rise in rates over the past five weeks, which has led to a flat mortgage application volume and a significant pullback in refinancing.
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the average interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages has risen to 6.73%, up from 6.52%, a shift that has notably impacted homeowners considering refinancing. Although refinancing applications have declined by 6% this past week, they are still 84% higher than this time last year, suggesting that some homeowners are seeking to secure rates now in anticipation of further increases.
This volatility is affecting potential homebuyers, as mortgage applications to purchase homes have increased by 5% for the week and are up 10% compared to the same week last year. This increase reflects rising interest in locking in rates before any upcoming economic events—such as the jobs report, election, and Fed announcement—that could cause further rate fluctuations.
The effect on stock investors is notable, especially for those watching real estate and financial sectors. Rising mortgage rates often place strain on refinancing-dependent revenue for financial institutions while boosting home purchase-related lending. Mortgage lenders and companies involved in home sales are feeling the pinch.
With rising interest rates, many potential buyers are hurrying to lock in mortgages before further hikes, yet this rush may not be enough to sustain home purchase application volume long-term. Two prominent players feeling the impact are Lennar Corporation (LEN) and Rocket Companies, Inc. (RKT).
Lennar Corporation faces challenges as higher rates deter prospective buyers, potentially leading to slowed sales and increased inventory. Similarly, Rocket Companies, a major mortgage lender, sees declining refinancing activity, putting pressure on revenues in a high-rate environment. As rates rise, these companies may need to adjust their strategies to navigate the tougher landscape.