Mortgage Rates Volatile Amid Iran Tensions: 3/27 Update
March 27, 2026
The mortgage market experienced significant volatility today, Friday, March 27, 2026, driven by conflicting headlines on Iran tensions and potential de-escalation. Bond prices initially slid amid oil spikes and inflation concerns, pushing rates higher by about an eighth of a point. However, hopes for U.S.-Iran negotiations sparked a sharp rally, improving rates by a quarter to a third of a point. This whipsaw action underscores the geopolitical risks influencing borrowing costs.
Bonds opened lower on fresh Iran rejections of peace talks, which drove oil prices higher and reignited inflation worries. Neutral jobless claims data failed to provide support, while a weak 7-year auction added pressure. Later, positive negotiation headlines triggered a rally despite a prior weak 5-year auction. Mortgage rates reflected this turbulence, ending with MBS prices down 10 basis points overall. Key data like ISM Manufacturing looms next, heightening uncertainty.