NEW YORK, February 3, 2026, 15:20 ET — Regular session
Shares of Rocket Companies climbed 8.2%, reaching $20.32 late Tuesday afternoon, after earlier fluctuating between $18.83 and $21.18. Trading volume hit roughly 44.6 million shares.
This move is significant since mortgage originators have acted as rate proxies for months. Even a slight change in demand can swiftly affect volumes, fees, and margins. Investors are scanning for signals that housing activity might be picking up before the spring selling season.
Mortgage rates remain a key factor. According to Bankrate data, the average 30-year fixed rate stood at 6.16% on Feb. 2. The Mortgage Bankers Association is sticking with its forecast, expecting rates to hover between 6% and 6.5% in the near term. “The news from this meeting does not change our forecast for mortgage rates,” Mike Fratantoni said in a statement. (Bankrate)
Varun Krishna told CNBC’s Squawk Box that Rocket is seeing its highest mortgage loan volume in four years, along with the strongest “gain on sale” during that period. “We’re on track to produce the highest mortgage loan production in four years,” he said. The gain on sale refers to the profit lenders make when they sell newly originated loans into the secondary market. Krishna also highlighted servicing — handling payments and managing loans — plus Rocket’s integrated platform across Rocket Mortgage, Redfin, and Mr. Cooper as key to driving repeat business. (Mortgage Professional)
Peers showed varied performance. UWM Holdings shares dropped roughly 1.6%, loanDepot slid around 2.5%, and PennyMac Financial Services declined about 1.5%.
Rates continue to be the key mover, with policy playing a role. On Tuesday, a Reuters column highlighted that Donald Trump is pushing for lower long-term borrowing costs and mentioned the government plans to increase purchases of mortgage-backed securities — bonds secured by home loans. (Reuters)
The macro calendar just got more complicated. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the January employment report will be delayed due to a partial government shutdown, potentially clouding a crucial factor for Treasury yields and, by extension, mortgage rates. (Reuters)
Investors will still be watching the numbers closely. Should rates edge up once more or if the surge in applications loses steam, the rally could reverse fast. Plus, gain-on-sale margins often shrink as lenders step up the pricing battle.
All eyes are now on Rocket’s upcoming earnings and its outlook on volume and margins. According to TipRanks, the company is set to report on Feb. 19, after the market closes. (TipRanks)
