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Impact

Economic Data

Updated: August 6, 2009

The following are several economic data charts that may help you better understand and monitor the economic environment.

LIBOR Rates

The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) is an indicative interbank borrowing and lending rate. It provides a measure of the cost of dollar-based credit.
In this image the LIBOR rate starts out steadily at just above 5% until it drops suddenly in late 2006.  It is currently around 1%

 

LIBOR-OIS Spreads

Another indicator of funding market pressure is the difference between LIBOR and Overnight Index Swaps (OIS). The difference between these two rates is an indicator of counterparty credit risk and liquidity pressures, with a lower spread suggesting diminished concerns about credit risk.

The LIBOR-OIS spread remains steady and just over .1% mid 2007 when it suddenly becomes very volatile

30-Year Fixed Average Mortgage Rates

The national average interest rate charged on 30-year fixed rate mortgages is a key indicator of housing market availability for Americans.

The 30-year fixed average mortgage rate has fluctuated from a high of about 6.5 to a low of almost 5% since January 2007

Fannie Mae Current Coupon OAS Spread to Treasuries

Another indicator of mortgage affordability is the difference between the interest rate on a mortgage-backed security and the interest rate on a 10-year Treasury note. Generally speaking, a lower spread suggests that mortgages are becoming less expensive relative to other benchmark interest rates.

This chart shows the spread starting at about 50 bps in January of 2007, then rising to 200 bps in March of 2008 until dropping back to its current bps of 100

 

FDIC Guaranteed Bank Debt Yields

Several financial institutions have issued bonds using the FDIC’s guarantee program, which provides investors insurance on these securities in the event of a default. Rates on these bonds are an indication of banks’ ability to finance new loans; generally speaking, lower rates mean banks have access to cheaper financing.


This chart shows fluctuations in the FDIC guaranteed bank debt yields ranging from a high yield of 2.5 to a low of 1

 

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