Hey everyone, Dan Freo here with your Closing Bell update for February 14th, 2025. Today, we’re diving into the national deficit, mortgage rates, bond market reactions, and equity movements. But before you tune out, I’ve got some great news—mortgage rates dropped again today, opening up opportunities for refinancing or buying your first home. Let’s break it all down.

Mortgage Rates Dip Again

Mortgage rates have finally dipped back into the 6% range. If you’re sitting on a rate in the high 7s or low 8s, now might be the perfect time to explore refinancing. Rates recently peaked at around 7.75%, so this drop could save you a significant amount of money.

Who Am I?

For those who don’t know me, I’m Dan Freo, a nationwide mortgage loan officer working with a federally chartered bank. I’m licensed in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and my goal is to help you navigate the mortgage landscape. At my firm, we operate under the slogan: One application, one credit pull, and we shop your loan across 30+ lenders. This ensures you get the best possible rate and terms.

Behind the Scenes: What’s Driving Rates?

The federal government has shifted its focus from the Federal Reserve to long-term fiscal policies. The new Secretary of the Treasury recently emphasized the importance of lowering long-term yields, particularly for mortgages and capital formation. The administration is prioritizing energy independence, deregulation, and non-inflationary growth, which could naturally bring down rates over time.

Market Reactions

Let’s look at how the markets are responding. Over the past two months, mortgage rates have been volatile. After a brief dip, rates spiked to their highest levels in a while, but they’re now trending back down. This rollercoaster can be frustrating, but it also presents opportunities for those who time it right.

This week, rates took a dramatic plunge before recovering, ending the week close to where they started. If you locked in a rate during the mid-week drop, you might want to revisit your options—rates have since rebounded.

Broader Market Update

As of today’s close:

• Dow Jones and S&P are down slightly.
• NASDAQ is up a bit.
• The VIX (market volatility index) is down, indicating reduced anxiety in the markets.
• Oil prices are a key inflationary factor to watch. Ideally, we’d like to see oil stabilize in the $60s to keep inflation in check.

Cryptocurrency and Tariffs

Cryptocurrency is making a comeback, with Bitcoin hovering around $97,000. I expect a rally once current tariff issues are resolved. Speaking of tariffs, I did some research on how much other countries charge the U.S. for imports. The numbers are staggering:

• India: 70-100%
• Brazil: 35%
• China: 15% (average)
• Russia: 15-20%
• European Union: 10%

The idea of reciprocal tariffs is gaining traction, and it might not be a bad strategy to level the playing field.

Protect Your Financial Data

Before I sign off, I want to remind you to protect your financial data. Visit optoutprescreen.com to opt out of having your credit information sold to third parties. It’s a simple step that can save you from unwanted solicitations.

How to Reach Me

If you’re looking to buy a home, refinance, or just need advice, I’m here to help. Visit thefreoteam.com to schedule a consultation, submit an application, or get in touch with me directly. You can also email me at dan@theupdate.com, and I’ll be happy to assist.

Thanks for tuning in, and happy Valentine’s Day! Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates, and I’ll see you next week. Have a great weekend, folks!

Bye for now!

Dan Freo
Nationwide Mortgage Loan Officer
Licensed in all 50 states and Puerto Rico
One application, one credit pull, 30+ lenders.

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  Hey everyone, Dan Freo here with your Closing Bell update for February 14th, 2025. Today, we’re diving into the national deficit, mortgage rates, bond market reactions, and equity movements. But