May 21, 2025
United States:
US Mortgage Rates Rise to Three-Month High, Slowing Home Demand
US mortgage rates climbed last week to a three-month high, prompting a slide in applications for home purchases and refinancing.
The contract rate on a 30-year mortgage rose 6 basis points to 6.92% in the week ended May 16, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data released Wednesday.
United Kingdom:
UK Inflation Surge Prompts Traders to Pare Bets on BOE Cuts
UK inflation jumped more than forecast to its highest rate in over a year as households were hit by a raft of price increases, prompting investors to pare bets on rate cuts from the Bank of England.
Increases to energy, water and other administered prices pushed inflation to 3.5% in April from 2.6% a month earlier, the Office for National Statistics said Wednesday. It was the highest rate in 15 months and above the 3.4% forecast by the BOE.
Asia:
Japan’s Exports Slow as US Tariffs Bite, Risking Recession
Growth in Japan’s exports slowed as the US ramped up its tariff measures, highlighting the risks the country faces after its economy already contracted before the levies began hitting in earnest.
Exports measured by value gained 2% in April from a year earlier, slowing from March’s 4% as cars and steel dragged on shipments, the Ministry of Finance reported Wednesday.
Disclaimer:
Analyst Certification – The views expressed in this research report accurately reflect the personal views of Mayberry Investments Limited Research Department about those issuer (s) or securities as at the date of this report. Each research analyst (s) also certify that no part of their compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendation(s) or view (s) expressed by that research analyst in this research report.
Company Disclosure – The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. You are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Mayberry may effect transactions or have positions in securities mentioned herein. In addition, employees of Mayberry may have positions and effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein.