Mortgage Industry Trends

Fed is Standing Pat on a “Cool” Economy

Fed-standing-pat-on-col-economy
0 0
Read Time:1 Minute, 14 Second

Fed-standing-pat-on-col-economyIt looks as though the Fed decided to play the cards they were dealt. For now, no announced raise in rates.

This is mainly due to inflation running at less than 2%. Just in case you didn’t know, it’s at about 1.2%. Not so hot. (Cool Economy)

I’m a little confused (I know, that’s normal). We are told the economy is doing well, unemployment is down and jobs are increasing. So, why then is the inflation rate running so low? Could it be things ain’t so good after all? Are we better off today than we were 8 years ago?

For those of us in mortgage lending, things ain’t so bad. But, is that because rates are being kept low due to a poor economy? If so, then we’re sure to get hit sooner or later. Low rates alone cannot sustain a housing recovery.

A robust housing market is dependent on a vibrant economy, and a vibrant economy depends on a robust housing market. Both need a good job market with the opportunity for modest wage growth to survive. Something’s missing.

The candidates talk around these subjects. It’s time for someone to step up and do something about jobs, and income opportunities, in America. We can’t survive by keeping interest rates low forever.

In 2008, we voted for hope and change. In 2012 we still had hope. Maybe it’s time for a change.

 

Michael Vitali

About the Author

Michael Vitali

Michael L. Vitali – Independent Consultant to the Mortgage Industry Mike Vitali is an independent consultant to the mortgage industry on matters concerning compliance and mortgage lending. He most recently served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for LoanLogics, monitoring regulatory developments and their practical implications for the mortgage lending industry. His duties included research, interpretation, and analysis of existing and proposed legislation related to the industry in support of recommendations for policy and/or procedure changes to maintain continued quality and compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, investor requirements, and standard mortgage practices. In his more than 40 years in the mortgage industry, in senior level management, he has gained experience in all areas of mortgage lending, risk management, and compliance. Mike is a past President of the MBA of Greater Philadelphia, is a charter member and was the second Chairman of the MBA of Pennsylvania, and a past board member and Legislative Chair of both associations. He is a recipient of the 1998 Mortgage Banker of the Year Award from the MBA of Greater Philadelphia, and the 2003 Chairman's Award from the MBA of PA, and currently serves on several compliance related task forces for MBA.
Tagged ,
Michael Vitali

About Michael Vitali

Michael L. Vitali – Independent Consultant to the Mortgage Industry Mike Vitali is an independent consultant to the mortgage industry on matters concerning compliance and mortgage lending. He most recently served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for LoanLogics, monitoring regulatory developments and their practical implications for the mortgage lending industry. His duties included research, interpretation, and analysis of existing and proposed legislation related to the industry in support of recommendations for policy and/or procedure changes to maintain continued quality and compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, investor requirements, and standard mortgage practices. In his more than 40 years in the mortgage industry, in senior level management, he has gained experience in all areas of mortgage lending, risk management, and compliance. Mike is a past President of the MBA of Greater Philadelphia, is a charter member and was the second Chairman of the MBA of Pennsylvania, and a past board member and Legislative Chair of both associations. He is a recipient of the 1998 Mortgage Banker of the Year Award from the MBA of Greater Philadelphia, and the 2003 Chairman's Award from the MBA of PA, and currently serves on several compliance related task forces for MBA.
View all posts by Michael Vitali →