Surprisingly Big Sell Off Relative to The Inspiration
Thu, May 8 2025, 4:51 PM
MBS Recap
Surprisingly Big Sell Off Relative to The Inspiration
MBS Recap Matthew Graham | 4:51 PM
Surprisingly Big Sell Off Relative to The Inspiration
Bonds ended up selling off somewhat sharply today with the bulk of the blame apparently reserved for the UK/US trade deal. In fact, the pace of the selling wasn't something we would have predicted when the details emerged this morning. This raises questions about what other motivations could be in play. Certainly, the "precedent thesis" is relevant (i.e. what does today's deal imply about how other trade deals may look?). The simplest way to approach it would be to conclude that tariffs will go up enough to increase inflation, but not so much as to hinder growth--both bad for bonds and for the Fed's rate cut prospects.
Slightly stronger after AM data, but still weaker on the day. MBS down 1 tick (.03) and 10yr down 1.3bps at 4.283
10:40 AM
weakest levels of the AM. MBS down 6 ticks (.19) and 10yr up 4.6bps at 4.316
02:46 PM
sharply weaker after auction with MBS down 3/8ths and 10yr up 10bps at 4.37
Lock / Float Considerations
While the average mortgage lender isn't any worse off than they were earlier this week, the pace of Thursday's movement reintroduces the volatility risk surrounding trade-related headlines. From an econ data standpoint, Tuesday's CPI remains the focus, but random volatility risk is now substantially higher with US/China talks taking place over the weekend.