Grammar is important. What’s the difference between a kleptomaniac and a literalist? A literalist takes things literally. A kleptomaniac takes things, literally. How about the grammar of, “Rates ain’t going down any time soon.”? The global bond selloff continues as the day the Federal Reserve is expected to start downsizing its balance sheet draws nearer. On to QT (Quantitative Tightening?) The yield on the 10-year Treasury note is now above 2.6 percent, sending it back to ranges in which it traded in 2018 and 2019. For mortgage loan originators and lenders, rates are only one piece of the ugly landscape, and I received this. ““I have to take issue with your comments about LOs and higher rates. It's not just rates, it's the entire BS happening all at once. Rates I can handle, but what about inventory so no buyers? How about property values so high people can't buy? How about all the cash buyers and the investors buying up all the properties?” There are a lot of stories about layoffs in our industry, no surprise given the increase in rates and the continuing decline in applications (down over 6 percent last week). As a reminder, those displaced can always post their resume for free at www.lendernews.com, and potential employers can view them for a nominal fee. (Today’s audio version of the commentary is available here and this week’s is sponsored by Optimal Blue, a division of Black Knight. Today’s has an interview on hedging and trading with Steve Baselice as he digs deep into how automation helps deliver the best possible execution price and protect day-one profit margins.)