Freddie Mac Delinquencies and Unemployment Rate

Yesterday I posted a graph of the Freddie Mac delinquency rate by month since 2005. I was asked if I could add the unemployment rate ... so by request ...

Click on graph for large image.

This graph shows the Freddie Mac single family delinquency rate and the unemployment rate since 2005.

Note that the unemployment rate y-axis starts at 4% to match up the curves.

Here is the Freddie Mac portfolio data.

There are many reasons for the rising delinquency rate. Earlier today we discussed some new research suggesting a number of homeowners with negative equity are walking away from their homes ("ruthless default"). There are also negative events that can lead to delinquencies - like death, disease, and divorce - but one of the main drivers is probably loss of income.