Bond yields declined, including mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Since mortgage rates are set based on MBS prices, mortgage rates moved lower.
In the U.S., low mortgage rates have contributed to healthy housing market activity. Sales of previously owned homes in May rose to the best level since 2007. This occurred despite a low level of homes available for sale. Strong demand and low supply pushed the housing market to two records in May. The median price of homes sold rose to the highest level on record, and the days on the market fell to a record low.
