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How the Iran war escalation, jobs week are affecting mortgage rates

May 5, 2026 · 20m

Summary

Logan Motoshami discusses how escalating Middle East tensions are driving up oil prices and mortgage rates, pushing the 10-year yield near yearly highs. He clarifies that the Fed is not engaging in quantitative easing, debunking common industry myths. Motoshami analyzes housing data, noting that improved mortgage spreads are currently keeping rates manageable despite geopolitical risks. He also reviews inventory trends and labor market expectations, emphasizing that the Fed remains focused on jobless claims rather than minor job growth fluctuations.

Topics discussed

Sponsor message: ICE Mortgage Technology Introduction and war escalation context Market reaction: Oil prices and 10-year yields Geopolitical dynamics and White House response Mortgage rates, spreads, and Fed policy conflict Likelihood of Federal Reserve rate hikes War fatigue, social media, and economic focus Clarifying myths about Fed QE and bond buying Housing Market Tracker: Spreads and inventory data Sponsor message: Estate Agent Growth Seasonality, new listings, and sales outlook Jobs week expectations and labor market analysis Outro and Housing Wire AI Summit promotion
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