The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its benchmark rate signals underlying economic strength, leaving mortgage rates largely unmoved. While affordability challenges persist, a gradual rebalancing of the market offers cautious optimism for buyers and sellers.
As mortgage rates fluctuate and ambitious policy ideas emerge, economists warn that financing tweaks cannot solve the core issue: a chronic shortage of homes.
President Trump's pick to lead the Federal Reserve, former governor Kevin Warsh, advocates for a dramatic shift in central bank strategy—shrinking its balance sheet—as the key to lowering mortgage rates, a move that challenges prevailing economic orthodoxy.
While mortgage rates have inched up slightly this week, homebuyers are still facing significantly lower borrowing costs compared to last year's peak. We break down the monthly and long-term savings on a typical home purchase.
A new analysis reveals a stark geographic divide in credit health, with residents in several Southern states facing higher long-term mortgage costs due to lower average credit scores, while Northern states benefit from more favorable rates.
Analyst firm Compass Point reiterates its Buy rating on Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. (IVR), increasing its price target to $9.50, citing attractive mortgage spreads as a key catalyst for the REIT's potential book value growth.
Orchid Island Capital (ORC) reported robust fourth-quarter earnings, driven by a stable interest rate environment, tightening mortgage spreads, and lower funding costs. The REIT continued its strategic pivot into higher-coupon mortgage pools with built-in prepayment protection.
Invesco Mortgage Capital (IVR) posted robust fourth-quarter results, buoyed by a calmer interest rate environment and outperformance in agency mortgage-backed securities. Executives detailed strategic portfolio positioning amid spread tightening and signaled cautious optimism for the year ahead.
Hilltop Holdings capped off 2025 with a 46% surge in net income, fueled by a steeper yield curve and disciplined cost management across its banking and securities units. While the mortgage division remains under pressure, executives point to a robust loan pipeline and shareholder returns as signs of resilience heading into 2026.
The Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady signals a strategic pause, not an end to its easing cycle. We break down the immediate and future impacts on everything from credit cards to the housing market.
Despite a challenging mortgage landscape and specific credit headwinds, Hilltop Holdings Inc. (HTH) reported a 46% surge in annual net income for 2025, buoyed by a steepening yield curve and disciplined cost management across its banking, lending, and securities divisions.
A revised price target for Invesco Mortgage Capital (IVR) is prompting investors to reassess the mortgage REIT's trajectory amid evolving interest rate expectations and housing market dynamics.
A revised price target for Rithm Capital (NYSE: RITM) has prompted a fresh look at the mortgage REIT's prospects, with analysts weighing its strategic shifts against a complex macroeconomic backdrop.
PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust (PMT) posted a strong Q4 profit of $52.36 million, defying a significant year-over-year revenue drop. This mixed performance has fueled a 12% stock rally over 90 days, raising questions about whether the current share price accurately reflects the company's future in a volatile mortgage market.
PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust (PMT) reported a robust fourth quarter, highlighted by a 13% return on equity and strategic advancements in its securitization business. Executives outlined a confident outlook for 2026, emphasizing disciplined risk management and growth in targeted lending segments.
Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (NYSE:ORC) reported a dramatic surge in full-year 2025 net income, driven by a strategic expansion of its agency MBS portfolio and disciplined hedging. The results mark a potential inflection point for the mortgage REIT, reshaping its risk-reward profile after years of uneven performance.
PennyMac Financial Services reported Q4 2025 net income of $106.8 million, declaring a $0.30 per share dividend. While full-year profits grew on higher loan production, the quarter was pressured by a sharp decline in mortgage servicing income due to accelerated prepayments, highlighting the volatility inherent in its dual business model.
PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust (PMT) closed 2025 with robust earnings, driven by a dramatic expansion in its private-label securitization business. While this growth fueled returns, the company's correspondent lending segment faced pressure, and faster mortgage prepayments impacted servicing rights income.
Economist Peter Schiff, famed for foreseeing the 2008 collapse, now predicts a severe market correction driven by high mortgage rates and unsustainable prices, potentially triggering widespread defaults. While today's market fundamentals differ, his warning underscores deep-seated affordability concerns.
For aspiring homeowners, a credit score is more than just a gateway to a mortgage—it's a key determinant of long-term affordability. This guide breaks down the nuanced impact of credit on loan options, interest rates, and the strategic moves buyers can make to strengthen their financial position.
