Market Insights: The latest MMI report shows a flat month-on-month rate of 4.16%, with expectations of remaining above 4% in the second half of the year

According to the latest data from the Mortgage Market Intermediary Research Department, the Mortgage Market Index (MMI) for April 2024, which reflects the actual interest rate level that new mortgage customers can generally achieve, is currently at 4.16%, remaining flat compared to the previous period. Cao Deming, Chief Vice President of Mortgage Market Intermediary, stated that in April, as many as 96% of new mortgage customers chose the H plan, indicating a preference for the H plan among new customers. With the average one-month Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (HIBOR) for April at 4.28%, the actual interest rate for the H plan and the MMI continue to reach their peak. Furthermore, today's one-month HIBOR is reported at 4.53%, rising for 2 consecutive working days to reach a new high in over 2 and a half months, and maintaining a level close to 4% for over 9 and a half months. Cao Deming pointed out that the possibility of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve still exists, but believes that the high interest rate environment will be maintained for a period of time. With the semi-annual bank settlement approaching, the recent market liquidity is tightening, indicating that the HIBOR still has room to rise. As the HIBOR continues to remain high, the actual interest rate for the H plan will continue to reach its peak, and the MMI is expected to remain above 4% in the second half of the year