- "It's almost comical" that experts continue to forecast rising rates, says Jeff Gundlach. The downgrade of GDP forecasts has now become an annual event, yet "hope springs eternal" that 3% growth is just around the corner.
- Look no further than housing, says Gundlach, for what's holding the economy back. There's a secular trend at play as demographics continue to force a shift away from home ownership, and the cyclical action of rising home prices will just accelerate this.
- Earlier, the MBA reported mortgage application volume fell 7.2% last week, bringing the MBA index to its lowest level since December 2000. Refinance volume fell 11% to its lowest level since Nov. 2008, and purchase volume fell 3% on the week, and 12% from a year ago.
- The purchase print is especially troubling, says Diana Olick, as all-cash institutional buyers are moving out of the market, leaving mortgage-dependent buyers to pick up the slack.
- The 10-year Treasury yield is higher by two basis points to 2.53%.
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