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Banking

“The Fed forecasts lowering rates by another half point before the year is out”

“…The so-called dot plot indicated that 19 FOMC members, both voters and nonvoters, see the benchmark fed funds rate at 4.4% by the end of this year, equivalent to a target range of 4.25% to 4.5%. The Fed’s two remaining… Continue Reading…

Banking

“Federal Reserve lowers interest rates by 0.50 percentage points in first cut since 2020”

“The Federal Reserve on Wednesday said it is cutting its benchmark interest rate by 0.50 percentage points, marking the first reduction in four years and moving to ease borrowing costs as inflation-weary consumers are grappling with high rates on everything… Continue Reading…

Real Estate

“Mortgage refinance demand is 94% higher than a year ago, as interest rates fall again”

“The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($766,550 or less) decreased to 6.43% from 6.44% Applications for a mortgage to purchase a home did rise 3% for the week but are still 4% lower… Continue Reading…

Real Estate

“Mortgage refinancing surges 35% in one week, as interest rates hit lowest level in over a year”

“The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($766,550 or less) fell slightly to 6.54% from 6.55%. The refinance share of mortgage activity increased to 48.6% of total applications from 41.7% in the previous week.… Continue Reading…

Banking, Economy

“Why regional banks are now willing to take billions in losses”

“More US regional banks are taking a step that was unthinkable more than a year ago in the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank failure: selling underwater bonds at a loss… The difference this time around is that regional banks… Continue Reading…

Banking, Economy

“Russia’s Central Bank hikes interest rate as inflation soars”

“…The bank raised the rate by 200 basis points to 18.00%, noting that inflation has accelerated and is developing “significantly above” its forecast. It noted that inflationary risks have been driven by high inflation expectations and changing trade terms as… Continue Reading…

Economy, Energy

“U.S. oil rises nearly 2% to top $83 a barrel as slowing manufacturing raises interest rate cut hopes”

“U.S. crude oil moved nearly 2% higher Tuesday to top $83 a barrel on optimism that weak manufacturing data could accelerate interest rate cuts. U.S. manufacturing activity hit a four month low of 49.9 in April, according to the S&P Global… Continue Reading…

Economy

“Key Fed inflation measure rose 2.8% in March from a year ago, more than expected”

“…“Inflation reports released this morning were not as a hot as feared, but investors should not get overly anchored to the idea that inflation has been completely cured and the Fed will be cutting interest rates in the near-term,” said… Continue Reading…

Cryptocurrencies

“Bitcoin tumbles $5,000 in 24 hours as interest rates jump”

“Bitcoin fell for a second day to start the new month and quarter amid rising Treasury yields and strength in the U.S. dollar. The flagship cryptocurrency fell more than 4.76% on Tuesday to $66,134.00, bringing its two-day loss to 7%, according… Continue Reading…