Author: Mary Waters | Lending Agent
JPMorgan added Netflix to its list of favorite stocks as the new month gets under way. Every month, the bank refreshes its analyst focus list, which includes its top ideas aligned with the growth, income, value and short investment strategies. JPMorgan’s changes come after a month characterized by high market volatility stemming from President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs. Recent disappointing data points have further bolstered fears of an economic slowdown. Although hopes of easing trade tensions sent stocks higher to wrap up April, this slight comeback wasn’t enough to save the S & P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial…
It’s springtime in America and across the country, kids are heading to the ballfields, soccer games and lacrosse matchups. Their families may also be spending a lot of time on a sports app called GameChanger, which was acquired by Dick’s Sporting Goods in 2016 . The app can be used for live streaming games, as well as for following a team’s schedule, statistics and scorekeeping. While just a fraction of Dick’s business, GameChanger is “a key long term growth and margin driver,” Michael Baker, analyst at D.A. Davidson, wrote in an April 23 note. He has a buy rating on…
Despite simmering trade conflict between China and the U.S., Beijing is still an attractive market in which to invest, according to Ariel Investments emerging market equities portfolio manager Christine Phillpotts. “What’s important to note is that U.S. exports from China to the U.S. are less than 3% of Chinese GDP, they have massively declined over the last decade,” the money manager told CNBC’s Mike Santoli in an interview for CNBC Pro from Omaha on the sidelines of the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting. “Although there will be an effect if those exports are reduced, it’s not going to be disastrous…
Several tech heavy hitters could see a pullback after this week’s runup, if this technical indicator is any guide. Stocks have made a strong comeback since President Donald Trump’s early April tariff announcements triggered a sell-off. The reversal began after a temporary reduction in tariff rates for most countries was put in place. However, a solid earnings season and better-than-expected jobs data has also revived sentiment. All three major averages ended Friday notching their second straight winning week . Results from Microsoft and Meta Platforms notably revived investor confidence in the artificial intelligence trade , as the tech giants continued…
In its first months in office, the Trump administration aggressively made changes at all levels of the federal government, including to the mortgage and housing industry regulators. Bill Pulte, new Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director, fired most members of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac boards and then appointed himself as chair of both. Russell Vought, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) acting director, was accused of trying to reduce the agency to “five men and a phone” amid a spate of firing. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) jettisoned policies aimed at preventing appraisal bias and the U.S. Department of…
Key takeaways The draw period is the initial phase of a home equity line of credit (HELOC), during which you can withdraw funds, up to your credit limit. The draw period typically lasts up to 10 years. During this time, you’re usually only required to pay interest on what you borrow. At the end of the draw period, you’ll begin repaying what you borrowed plus any outstanding interest. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a financing tool that converts your home’s equity into spendable funds. It works similarly to a credit card: You can borrow as needed up…
Fannie Mae named Omeed Malik to its board of directors, according to a post on X by Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Malik is the founder and CEO of Farvahar Partners, a boutique investment bank and broker-dealer. He is also the president of 1789 Capital, a Florida-based growth equity investment firm that includes Donald Trump Jr. among its partners. Malik was formerly a managing director and the global head of the hedge fund advisory business at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Ginnie Mae appointed Joseph M. Gormley as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Gormley…
Mortgage rates had a nice little run, moving down from last Monday’s highs of 6.98% (average, top tier 30yr fixed) to a mid-week low just over 6.80%. Even after yesterday’s modest bounce, we were still in stronger territory for the week. But now today, the average lender is back up to 6.90%. While that’s not as high as the beginning of last week, it’s noticeably above the end-of-week mark of 6.84%. In other words, rates are higher this week. Note: you may see other headlines suggesting the opposite, but those will almost certainly be citing Freddie Mac’s weekly rate survey…
SDI Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways A proof of funds letter, or POF letter, proves you have the funds to buy a home. You might need one whether you’re getting a mortgage or paying for the property with cash. Many mortgage lenders allow you to provide bank statements as proof of funds. In some cases, though, you might need a formal letter. You can request a proof of funds letter in person at your bank or online. Your lender might be able to fill out a request form on your behalf instead. If you’re planning to purchase a home, you’ll need…
While U.S. home prices continue to rise, the rate of growth hit a 13-year low in March, according to the latest Home Price Index (HPI) report from First American Data & Analytics. Home prices rose 1.8% year over year in March — the lowest rate since 2012. Compared to the prior month, home prices rose 0.5% in March, according to HPI data. “National house price growth slipped below 2% for the first time since 2012, amid strained affordability and heightened economic uncertainty,” wrote Mark Fleming, chief economist at First American. “Wary potential homebuyers are adopting a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, curbing demand…