Demystifying the Enigma: Why Mortgage Rates Decrease as Bank of England Base Rate Rises - Understand

There's a chance you might have noticed a puzzling recent phenomenon: mortgage rates decreasing even as the Bank of England's base rate rises.

In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating world of swap rates and shed light on how they influence mortgage rates, making it possible for borrowers to secure lower rates amid a backdrop of rising base rates.

Understanding the Bank of England Base Rate

The Bank of England Base Rate is a key monetary policy tool used by the Bank of England to control inflation and stabilize the economy. When the economy is growing too quickly and inflation becomes a concern, the Bank of England may increase the base rate to encourage savings and reduce borrowing, thereby curbing inflationary pressures. Conversely, during economic downturns or sluggish growth, the base rate may be lowered to stimulate borrowing and spending, bolstering economic activity.

The Inverse Relationship Between Base Rate and Mortgage Rates

Traditionally, mortgage rates have moved in sync with the Bank of England's base rate. When the base rate rises, borrowing costs increase, leading to higher mortgage rates, and vice versa. However, due to the intricacies of financial markets, this relationship is not always straightforward.

Swap Rates - The Hidden Factor

To understand why mortgage rates can decrease during times of rising base rates, we need to introduce the concept of swap rates. Swap rates are the interest rates at which banks and financial institutions exchange fixed-rate and variable-rate cash flows over a specified period.

Banks use interest rate swaps to manage their exposure to interest rate fluctuations and balance their portfolios. This means that they can lock in fixed-rate funding for a specific period and reduce their reliance on variable-rate funding, which often tracks the Bank of England's base rate.

The Inversion Phenomenon Explained

In certain economic scenarios, the demand for fixed-rate funding through interest rate swaps may surge. For example, during periods of uncertainty or economic instability, investors and institutions seek the safety of fixed-rate returns, driving up demand for swap contracts. This increased demand for swaps pushes up swap rates.

Here's where the inversion phenomenon occurs. When swap rates rise above variable rates, it creates an unusual situation where banks can offer lower fixed-rate mortgages compared to variable-rate mortgages. This is because banks can acquire fixed-rate funding through the swap market at a lower cost than the variable-rate funding tied to the higher Bank of England base rate.

Consequently, borrowers can benefit from historically low fixed-rate mortgage offers, even as the base rate continues to climb. It's essential to note that this inversion is usually temporary and tends to correct itself as market conditions evolve.

As a UK mortgage broker, understanding the interplay between the Bank of England base rate and mortgage rates is essential for providing the best advice to clients.

The phenomenon of decreasing mortgage rates amidst rising base rates can be attributed to the intricate relationship between swap rates and the demand for fixed-rate funding.

By staying informed about these financial nuances and keeping a close eye on market trends, its ensures we can offer our clients unparalleled insights and help them secure the most favorable mortgage deals available.

Remember, a well-informed broker is one of the most valuable assets you have, when it comes to your journey towards homeownership in the ever-changing landscape of mortgage rates.