Last week, we mentioned that Federal Reserve monetary policy is, in essence, closely tethered to job growth: The Fed won't reign in loose monetary policy and low interest rates until the unemployment rate is around 6.5%.

The problem, as we noted, is that the unemployment rate is a moving target. Yes, unexpectedly strong job growth can occur, as what occurred in June, with payroll growth hitting 195,000 for the month, roughly 25,000 higher than most estimates. At the same time, unemployment held steady at 7.6% because more people have entered (or re-entered) the job market.

So it would appear the Fed would be firmly committed to holding interest rates low for the foreseeable future until 6.5% unemployment is achieved.

It's becoming more likely that's not the case. The minutes from the latest meeting of Federal Reserve policymakers show that half want to wind down quantitative easing (money printing, low interest rates) by the end of the year.

Given the unimpeded rise in interest rates over the past two months, it's become obvious many credit-market participants are expecting the Fed to wind down sooner than later.

The point we need to emphasize is that waiting for 3.5% 30-year fixed-rate mortgages will likely mean waiting for quite a while. At this point, 5% is the more likely future rate, which makes today's rates, in the mid-4% range, look attractive in comparison.

 Courtesy of Jessica Regan.

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