Core Viewpoint - Starwood Property (STWD) has under-earned its dividend for the third consecutive quarter in Q3 '25, raising short-term dividend risks for investors [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Distributable earnings have been insufficient to cover the dividend, indicating potential financial strain [1] - Commercial and residential lending remains a weakness for the commercial mortgage sector, impacting overall performance [1]

UWM’s billionaire CEO is selling stock again—but the real story for long-term investors lies in the numbers powering the business.Mat Ishbia, President and CEO of UWM Holdings Corporation (UWMC +1.39%), reported the open-market sale of 1.6 million shares of the major wholesale mortgage lender between Wednesday and Friday, according to a SEC Form 4 filing.Transaction SummaryMetricValueShares sold1,629,785 (indirect)Transaction value$9.4 millionPost-transaction shares3,053,843 (indirect); 279,989 (direct)Post ...

Builders Capital Mortgage Corp. Reports Third Quarter 2025 ResultsAchieved Second Highest Quarterly Revenue of $1.85 MillionNovember 28, 2025 6:31 PM EST | Source: Builders Capital Mortgage Corp.Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2025) - Builders Capital Mortgage Corp. (TSXV: BCF) ("Builders Capital" or "the Company") announced today the release of its third quarter financial results for the period ended September 30, 2025.Highlights include:Generated quarterly revenue of $1.85 m ...

Core Insights - Mortgage rates are currently around 6%, with the national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.00% and a 15-year rate at 5.50% [1][4][14] - The mortgage market is experiencing fluctuations, with predictions indicating that rates will remain at or above 6% for most of 2026, although a slight decrease to 5.9% is projected for Q4 2026 [13][16] Current Mortgage Rates - The national average mortgage rates are as follows: - 30-year fixed: 6.00% - 15-year fixed: 5.50% - 20-year fixed: 5.86% - 5/1 ARM: 6.11% - 7/1 ARM: 6.15% [4][5] Refinance Rates - Current mortgage refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, with the following averages: - 30-year fixed: 6.14% - 15-year fixed: 5.60% - 5/1 ARM: 6.55% - 7/1 ARM: 6.72% [5][3] Rate Trends - Mortgage rates have decreased since late May, currently being half a point lower than the same period last year [13] - Freddie Mac reports a slight decline in the national average 30-year mortgage rate to 6.23% and the 15-year rate to 5.51% [14] Future Projections - The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) forecasts the 30-year mortgage rate to be 6.4% by the end of 2025 and to remain stable through 2026 [16] - Fannie Mae also aligns with this prediction, suggesting a similar rate of 6.4% by the end of 2025 [16]

Core Insights - Mortgage rates have declined again this week, reaching their lowest level since October 2024, with both the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate and 15-year fixed rate moving lower compared to last week and the same time last year [1][16] Mortgage Rate Trends - The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is currently at 6.23%, down 3 basis points from last week, and down from 6.81% a year ago [3] - The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate is at 5.51%, also down 3 basis points from last week, and down from 6.10% a year ago [3] - Zillow's national averages show similar trends across various loan types, indicating a consistent decline in mortgage rates [2][16] Current Refinance Rates - Current refinance rates include a 30-year fixed refinance at 6.14%, a 20-year fixed refinance at 6.05%, and a 15-year fixed refinance at 5.60% [7] - Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) such as the 5/1 ARM refinance are at 6.55%, while the 7/1 ARM refinance is at 6.72% [7] Understanding Mortgage Rates - Mortgage interest rates are the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage, and fall into two categories: fixed rates and adjustable rates [8] - Fixed-rate mortgages maintain the same rate for the entire loan term, while adjustable-rate mortgages can change after an initial fixed period [9][10] Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates - Several factors influence mortgage rates, including borrower characteristics such as credit scores and debt-to-income ratios, as well as broader economic conditions [11][12] - Economic struggles typically lead to lower mortgage rates to encourage borrowing, while a strong economy may result in higher rates [12] Comparison of Mortgage Terms - Borrowers often compare 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages; the 30-year option is popular for lower monthly payments but results in more interest paid over time, while the 15-year option has higher monthly payments but a lower rate and faster payoff [13][14]

Regulatory Challenges - Apple is facing a potential antitrust penalty of up to $38 billion in India, highlighting increasing global regulatory scrutiny on technology giants [2][8] Energy Sector Activity - The US Baker Hughes Rig Count decreased by 10 rigs to a total of 544 as of November 28, with a notable drop of 12 rotary oil rigs to 407, indicating a contraction in drilling activity [3][8] UK Fiscal Policy - Vanguard plans to increase its investment in UK gilts, reflecting renewed investor confidence following the recent UK budget announcement [4][8] Housing Market Trends - U.S. mortgage rates eased for the week of November 26, with the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.23% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.51%, potentially stimulating activity in the housing market [5][8] Automotive Industry Developments - The joint venture between CATL and Stellantis is open to employing local workers for the construction of their Aragon battery plant, although the number of Chinese workers involved remains unconfirmed [6][8]

Core Insights - Mortgage rates are nearing a drop below 6%, with the average 30-year fixed rate currently at 6.04%, down two basis points, which could lead to increased purchase and refinance applications [1][16] - The 15-year fixed home loan rate has decreased by six basis points to 5.47% [1] Current Mortgage Rates - The current national average mortgage rates include: - 30-year fixed: 6.04% - 20-year fixed: 5.84% - 15-year fixed: 5.47% - 5/1 ARM: 6.16% - 7/1 ARM: 6.12% - 30-year VA: 5.36% - 15-year VA: 4.96% - 5/1 VA: 4.91% [5] Mortgage Rate Trends - Mortgage rates have shown a general downward trend over the past couple of months, with current rates lower than they were a year ago [18] - Future mortgage rates are expected to remain within a tight range, with the Federal Reserve indicating that another interest rate cut is not guaranteed [17] Refinance Rates - Mortgage refinance rates are typically higher than purchase rates, although this is not always the case [3] - To secure a low refinance rate, improving credit scores and lowering debt-to-income ratios are recommended strategies [19]

Core Insights - The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has set lending caps of $88 billion each for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, totaling $176 billion for multifamily loans in 2026, an increase from $73 billion each in 2025 [6] - The decision is expected to enhance capital availability in the multifamily market and indicates a focus on housing affordability [3][4] - The multifamily market is projected to face nearly $90 billion in maturing debt in 2026, with a significant portion from a lower-rate environment, positioning Fannie and Freddie as viable refinancing options [5] Lending Caps - FHFA has established lending caps of $88 billion for each GSE, allowing a total of $176 billion in multifamily loans for 2026, up from $146 billion in 2025 [6] - The caps for 2024 were set at $70 billion each, and for 2023 at $75 billion each [6] - Loans financing workforce housing will be excluded from next year's limits, with a requirement that at least 50% of GSE multifamily business be mission-driven, affordable housing [6] Market Outlook - The FHFA's decision is seen as a signal for increased multifamily lending activity in 2026 compared to the current year [4] - Industry experts anticipate that the expanded caps will enable GSEs to better support the multifamily market amid conservative lending from banks and non-bank lenders [5]

Core Insights - The use of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) has increased significantly, with around 10% of purchase-mortgage applications in early October 2025 being ARMs, the highest level since 2023 [1] - ARM loans accounted for 25% of mortgage applications for new home purchases last month, up from 16% a year ago, contributing to a rise in new home sales and average loan sizes [2] - The housing market has seen home prices increase by over 50% since 2019, prompting buyers to seek more affordable payment options, with ARMs being a popular choice [3] Industry Trends - ARMs typically offer lower initial interest rates for a fixed period of 3 to 10 years, making them attractive for buyers looking to manage monthly payments [4] - The average seven-year ARM interest rate is approximately 0.5 percentage points lower than that of a 30-year fixed mortgage, which is appealing to borrowers [5] - There is a growing trend among borrowers to seek rates in the 5% range to enhance affordability, with ARMs being one of the few options to achieve this [7] Risks and Considerations - After the initial fixed-rate period, ARMs reset based on current market rates, which can lead to significantly higher monthly payments if interest rates rise [4][6] - Borrowers face risks if they cannot refinance due to changes in their financial situation, such as job loss, which could lead to increased financial strain [6]

Core Insights - Mortgage rates have been fluctuating slightly, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate currently at 6.11% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.62% [1][16][17] Current Mortgage Rates - The national average for the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.11%, while the 15-year fixed rate stands at 5.62% [1][16] - Other mortgage rates include 20-year fixed at 5.94%, 5/1 ARM at 6.17%, and 7/1 ARM at 6.08% [4][16] Refinance Rates - Current mortgage refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, with the average 30-year refinance rate at 6.28% and the 15-year refinance rate at 5.73% [5][3] Adjustable Mortgage Rates - Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) typically start lower than fixed rates, with the 5/1 ARM currently at 6.17% [4][10] - ARMs can be beneficial for those planning to sell before the rate adjustment period, but they carry the risk of future rate increases [11][12] Strategies for Lower Rates - To secure lower mortgage rates, borrowers should aim for higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios [13] - Options for reducing rates include paying for discount points at closing or considering temporary interest rate buydowns [14][15] Market Outlook - Mortgage rates are not expected to drop significantly before the end of the year, influenced by factors such as government shutdown, inflation, tariffs, and Federal Reserve actions [18]