Cramer: The Five Percent Mortgage Rate is ‘Line in the Sand’ – NMP Skip to main content

Cramer: The Five Percent Mortgage Rate is ‘Line in the Sand’

Oct 22, 2018
One the nation’s most prominent economic commentators issued a warning that further increases in mortgage rates could put a major dent in the economy

One the nation’s most prominent economic commentators issued a warning that further increases in mortgage rates could put a major dent in the economy.
 
CNBC’s Jim Cramer used an appearance on “Squawk on the Street” to warn that the impact of mortgage rates that rise too much and too soon will be felt as far afield as corporate earnings and consumer spending. Cramer pointed to the 30-year fixed mortgage rate, which hit 4.85 percent on Thursday after hitting a 4.9 percent level the week before—one year ago, that rate was 3.88 percent.
 
"We're going to see more and more bad earnings because a five percent mortgage is the end, that is the line in the sand," Cramer said. "The mortgage rate is very high in this country."
 
Cramer also criticized Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell for rushing rate increases in an attempt to bring back a normalized monetary policy after years of historically low rates. The Fed has raised rates three times this year and many economists predict another hike in December.

 
About the author
Published
Oct 22, 2018
The Fed Held. The Mortgage Market Got A Warning.

Three policymakers favored an immediate hike, while Warsh welcomed higher bond yields and offered no clear path toward mortgage-rate relief

Jul 30, 2026
New Study Finds UWM's 'All-In' Triggered Industrywide Pricing Spillovers

Research shows wholesale competitors responded to the 2021 Rocket ban by lowering mortgage rates,

Jul 15, 2026
First Major Housing Reform In Decades Becomes Law Without Trump's Signature

Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act advances supply, construction, and mortgage reforms despite White House protest

Jul 10, 2026
Mortgage Star Conference Honors Women Shaping The Future Of Mortgage Leadership

MWLC honors leaders driving innovation, mentorship, and growth across the mortgage industry

Jul 09, 2026
June Jobs Report Improves Mortgage Rate Outlook

Slower hiring strengthens bonds and eases concerns over additional Fed tightening

Jul 02, 2026
NEXA Founder Mike Kortas Launches evoLend To Help Originators Retain Borrowers

New Fannie Mae-, Freddie Mac- and Ginnie Mae-approved mortgage servicer aims to keep originators connected to borrowers through servicing data, payoff visibility and retention tools

Jul 02, 2026