Bracing for Headwinds

The US has entered a recession every time both rates and commodity prices have increased at the same time, as they currently are.  The market is showing clear signs of slowing.  Re-trades and outright escrow cancellations are becoming more regular.  As rates continue to rise and buyers become more patient, general sentiment is that asking prices will come in over the next 3-12 months.  

 

When it comes to future rate expectations, all eyes are on inflationary data.  The Fed has made clear it will not slow down rate hikes until inflation is back under control. Powell has said the Fed's fight against inflation is "unconditional" and "we can't fail on this: we really have to get inflation down to 2%."  He later admitted a recession is "certainly a possibility."  The consensus inflation forecast this week is 4.8%, down from 5.3% in February. 

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Below are anticipated rate increases for the remainder of the year:

 

Date          Approx. Increase     Implied Fed Funds

July 27th            0.75%                          2.25%

Sept 21st            0.50%                         2.75%

Nov 2nd             0.50%                         3.25%

Dec 14th             0.25%                         3.50%

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While the yield curve has remained flat with periods of inversion, the 10-Year Treasury should dictate much of our "new normal" for the remainder of the year.  What would drive the 10-year to spike past the 3.0% - 3.50% range would be if the market believes inflation is no longer transitory or the Fed does raise rates that drive us into a recession.  If the market believes 10-year inflation will average over 3.0%, investors will not buy 10-year treasuries at 3% earning a negative return.

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Lender Overview:

Banks, Credit Unions, and alternative lenders are winning deals today as their rate increases have continued to lag behind Life Companies, CMBS, and the Agencies.  Banks are generally offering 3-5 years interest-only on 5-10 year fixed terms with outliers in the mid-4%'s.  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are beginning to show signs of spread compression, particularly for rent rolls with affordability components.  Many bridge lenders have backed out of the market, which has pushed out spreads to 3.75%+ over Term SOFR.  Less options along with higher Cap costs and floating rate forward expectations have made value-add bridge deals harder to underwrite, especially when factoring in interest reserves that many deals require.  Today, a 3-year Cap on a $20 million loan with a 3.0% strike price is over $400,000.  We're focused on creative ways pushing permanent lenders in their underwriting to maximize initial loan proceeds along with structuring earn-outs.