Lots of Competing Motivations Causing Volatility In a Narrow Range Today marked an uptick in the importance of economic data for the week and it had obvious consequences for volatility.  Of particular importance was the higher reading in quarterly PCE prices.  Because this is the first look at Q2 data, it's one of 4 days each year where the PCE component of the GDP data offers a sneak peek at the full PCE report that comes out the following morning.  the 2.9 vs 2.7 reading suggests there's extra inflation that will be distributed between April, May, and June.  If June accounts for more than the other two months, tomorrow's PCE index will be higher than expected, and thus bad for rates.  That accounts for some weakness this morning, but traders are also in the midst of adjusting their yield curve positioning which has resulted in big discrepancies between longer and shorter term rates this week. Econ Data / EventsJobless Claims235k vs 238k f'cast, 245k prev Durable Goods-6.6 vs 0.3 f'cast, 0.1 prev Nondefense ex-air Durable Goods1.0 vs 0.2 f'cast, -0.9 prev  GDP 2.8 vs 2.7 f'cast Core PCE Prices Q/Q2.9 vs 2.7 f'cast Market Movement Recap08:56 AM Sharply stronger overnight but losing ground after data.  MBS still up 7 ticks (.22) and 10yr still down 5+ bps at 4.24. 11:51 AM Decent amount of volatility in the AM hours.  Slightly negative drift, but MBS still up 6 ticks (.19) and 10yr still down 6bps at 4.229 01:43 PM Generally weaker after the auction, with losses focused on the short end.  MBS still up an eighth.  10yr still down 3bps, but near highs of day at 4.258
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July 25, 2024
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MBS Commentary
Lots of Competing Motivations Causing Volatility In a Narrow Range Today marked an uptick in the importance of economic data for the week and it had obvious consequences for volatility.  Of particular im... (read more)
Mortgage Rate Watch
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Mortgage Rates
MBS / Treasuries