It was a busy day in the rates market yesterday. Although several data releases needed to be digested, the main event was the 30 year bond auction. Recently, while demand for shorter maturity Treasury notes has proven stable in the "post-November 4 FOMC statement" environment, the market has forced yields higher in the long end of the yield curve. Specifically the benchmark 10yr note and the 30 year bond have taken a beating over the past two weeks. Yesterday was the first chance we had to really test market's appetite for longer dated debt investments, which have more of an influence over mortgage rates. Unfortunately, while specific buyers supported the bidding, overall demand was weak compared to previous auctions. Following the release of the auction results, MBS prices plummeted and a few lenders with itchy trigger fingers repriced for the worse. However, soonthereafter the rates market recovered all losses and prices went green on the day! By the end of the day, MBS prices were at their highest levels in quite some time. Most lenders repriced for the better as the gains held until close. To remind readers, as the price of MBS move higher, lenders are able to pass along lower mortgage rates. That momentum has carried over into today as MBS prices are once again slightly higher.
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