RE finance sector M&A activity spiked this quarter, with two major deals surpassing $1B valuation, reinforcing confidence in long-term industry scalability. Mortgage rates haven't moved at all at the start of this week. The expectation was that rates could move more decisively on Friday, when the monthly employment report was set for release, but the government shutdown now has that in limbo. Mortgage rates are holding steady this weekend. According to Zillow, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is down slightly to 6.28% , and the 15-year fixed rate is unchanged at 5.58% . Retail investors are showing renewed interest in RE finance holdings as brokerage reports highlight sustained dividend payout ratios above 4%.