Holden LewisAssistant managing editor, Bankrate.comI predict that the employment report will be stronger than expected. Plus, you have to factor in the bin Laden euphoria, a potential flight to safety because of troubles simmering in the eurozone and the inevitable bounceback from this dip in mortgage rates.
Cameron FindlayChief economist, LendingTree.com, Charlotte, N.C.Despite being lower week over week for the entire month of April, we expect rates to retreat back to slightly higher ground. Current fixed-rate loan rates are attractive but adjustable loans, specifically 5/1 Libor ARMs, are looking more attractive on a relative basis. The 5/1 ARMs have been declining at a faster pace than 30-year fixed, making them an attractive option particularly given their 5 percent lifetime cap and current rates that are just 67 percent of their fixed counterpart.
Barry HabibCEO, Mortgage Market Guide, Holmdel, N.J.Higher off strong jobs report.
Dick LepreSenior loan officer, RPM Mortgage, San FranciscoThe daily tech is about to top out and end its bullish (higher prices, lower yields) cycle. The weekly tech is still bullish, so we will see only a small uptick in rates in the next two weeks. BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) jobs on May 6 is the fundamental that could drive things.
John WalshPresident, Total Mortgage Services, Milford, Conn.It is likely that rates will increase in the coming week.