Mortgage Rate Predictions: Will Tariffs Impact Spring Homebuying?

President Trump's announcement this week of an aggressive wave of reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries and a 10% universal import tax triggered massive stock market chaos. The move also escalated fears of inflated consumer prices, a global trade war and a recession. It's unclear how these duties will upend supply chains and impact interest rates. With the vast number of unknowns in the economy — from Trump's protectionist measures to federal jobs slashing — mortgage rates have already seen some dips this week. In March, mortgage rates fluctuated in a narrow range, with the average 30-year fixed rate beginning and ending the month at 6.75%, according to Bankrate data. "The keyword right now is uncertainty... Mortgage rates are in a holding pattern of sorts." Colin Robertson, founder of mortgage news site The Truth About Mortgage Volatility is still in the cards as financial markets brace for more conclusive takeaways on inflation and unemployment. Generally, mortgage rates, which ... Read full article.