#rate-cuts

#rate-cuts

December could bring seasonal tailwinds back to the stock market and return it to all-time highs. Historically, since 1950, it's the third-best month of the year for the Dow and S&P 500; it's also the third-best month for the Nasdaq, since 1971, according to the Stock Trader's Almanac,

Presented with the humility of someone who doesn't always get these predictions right, here's why mortgage rates might fall in October. But first, how else will mortgage shoppers be affected? In past government shutdowns, most mortgages have been available, including those backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA loans). There were delays in some cases. USDA loans, backed by the Department of Agriculture, were unavailable.

Stocks have notched two consecutive weekly gains, with the S&P 500 hitting a fresh all-time high last week, as corporate earnings have continued to come in strong.

"After yesterday's 'not as bad as it could have been' July Consumer Price Index report, the equity markets are now in full 'easing expectation' mode," said CFRA Research's chief investment strategist Sam Stovall.