CNBC's "Fast Money" A Housing Revival As Mortage Rates Drop… And Meta’s Nuclear Deal 1/9/26
Jan 9, 2026
Andrew Obin, a senior industrials analyst at Bank of America Securities, shares insights on the recent drop in mortgage rates and its impact on housing affordability. He discusses how the government's push to buy $200B in mortgage bonds aims to stimulate the market. Obin also highlights Meta's strategic nuclear deals to power its AI ambitions, detailing the implications for data center infrastructure and the potential winners in the HVAC sector. Additionally, he addresses the growing role of advanced nuclear power in overcoming energy shortages.
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Policy Move Dropped Mortgage Rates Quickly
- The Trump administration's order for Fannie and Freddie to buy $200B of MBS immediately pushed 30-year mortgage rates sharply lower to ~5.99%.
- Diana Olick cautioned the details, timing, and scale are unclear so the move may only nudge rates not recreate pandemic lows.
Rate Cuts Alone Won't Unlock Many Buyers
- Lower mortgage rates tend to boost home prices and lift builders, but qualifying for loans remains the bigger constraint for many buyers.
- Ivy Zellman noted many potential buyers can't qualify even if rates fall modestly, limiting a rapid housing rebound.
Prefer Home Depot Over Builders
- When considering housing exposure, Tim Seymour recommended favoring Home Depot over homebuilders for steadier returns.
- He suggested checking XHB's holdings since the ETF leans toward suppliers and remodelers not just builders.