Bonds Recover: Mortgage Rates Ease Amid Volatility
May 6, 2026
Mortgage bonds posted modest gains this Wednesday morning, May 6, 2026, recovering some recent losses as weaker-than-expected ISM Services data bolstered the case for lower rates. This uptick in bond prices has supported higher MBS levels. A choppy week remains ahead, influenced by geopolitical oil fears and Friday's looming jobs report.
The biggest market story today centers on bonds rebounding slightly, countering strong housing data with softer services figures. Escalating Middle East tensions have driven oil prices higher, pressuring bonds lower earlier in the session and pushing mortgage rates up in discount points. MBS movement stands at +42bps overall, providing some relief. Key data releases like tomorrow's ISM Services follow-up and Friday's Employment report could trigger significant intraday swings. Float/lock guidance suggests locking for 7- or 15-day pipelines while floating 30 days or longer.