Mortgage Rates Drop to 6.15% by Year-End 2025, Signaling Relief for Homebuyers
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 06 2026
0mins
Should l Buy EFC?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Rate Decline: As of December 31, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.15% from 6.91% a year earlier, significantly reducing borrowing costs and likely stimulating homebuyer demand in 2026.
- Market Rebound: The continued decline in mortgage rates, coupled with slower home price growth, positions 2026 as a potential rebound year for the mortgage market, with improved financing conditions expected to boost transaction activity and stabilize demand.
- Investment Opportunities: Mortgage real estate investment trusts (mREITs) like Ellington Financial, Annaly Capital, and NexPoint Real Estate Finance are likely to benefit from the improving housing backdrop, attracting investor interest and enhancing fundamentals.
- Earnings Outlook: Ellington Financial anticipates year-over-year earnings growth of 25.3% and 1.6% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, indicating strong growth potential and reinforcing its market position.
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Analyst Views on EFC
Wall Street analysts forecast EFC stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for EFC is 15.00 USD with a low forecast of 14.50 USD and a high forecast of 16.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
5 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 12.860
Low
14.50
Averages
15.00
High
16.00
Current: 12.860
Low
14.50
Averages
15.00
High
16.00
About EFC
Ellington Financial Inc. is a real estate investment trust. The Company acquires and manages mortgage-related, consumer-related, corporate-related, and other financial assets. The Company’s segments include the Investment Portfolio Segment and the Longbridge Segment. The Investment Portfolio Segment is focused on investing in a diverse array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans, residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), consumer loans and asset-backed securities (ABS), including ABS-backed by consumer loans, collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), non-mortgage- and mortgage-related derivatives, debt and equity investments in loan origination companies, and other strategic investments. The Longbridge Segment is focused on the origination and servicing of, and investment in, reverse mortgage loans. The Company is externally managed and advised by Ellington Financial Management LLC.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its common and preferred stock, ensuring investors can access timely tax information for financial planning.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its extensive market presence and risk management capabilities.
- External Management Model: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, a structure that helps the company leverage expertise and resources to optimize investment strategies and operational efficiency.
- Strategic Investment Focus: The company not only focuses on mortgage-related investments but also engages in consumer loans and asset-backed securities, indicating its ongoing efforts in diversified investment strategies to adapt to market changes.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial Inc. has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its website, ensuring investors can access timely tax information for financial planning purposes.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its broad market presence and risk management capabilities aimed at achieving stable returns through diversification.
- External Management Model: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, a structure that leverages specialized knowledge and resources to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of investment decisions, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- Investor Relations Channels: The company provides various contact methods for investors to obtain more information, including phone and email, reflecting its commitment to investor communication and aiming to enhance investor trust and satisfaction.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its common and preferred stock, providing transparency to help investors understand their tax obligations.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its extensive market presence and risk management capabilities.
- External Management Structure: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, which may provide the company with professional investment strategies and market insights.
- Investor Relations Channels: The company offers multiple contact methods for investors to obtain further information, enhancing communication and trust with investors, thereby promoting transparency and information flow.
See More
Monthly Dividend Stocks Investment Strategy
- Monthly Dividend Advantage: Monthly paying stocks yield between 5% and 11%, with an average yield of 7.9%, meaning a $500,000 investment portfolio can generate $39,500 annually in dividend income while preserving principal, enhancing cash flow management.
- REIT Performance: Realty Income (O), a $55 billion REIT with 15,500 commercial properties, boasts 667 consecutive dividends, yet its lackluster performance in 2023 raises concerns about its growth potential amid economic slowdowns, necessitating close monitoring.
- Leverage Risks: SL Green Realty (SLG), Manhattan's largest landlord with nearly 31 million square feet of prime real estate, faces a 19% drop in 2026 FFO estimates and high leverage, increasing dividend volatility, prompting investors to exercise caution.
- High Yield Potential: Ellington Financial (EFC) leads with an 11.7% yield, primarily investing in mortgages through short-term borrowing; its recent secondary offering boosted dividend yield, making it attractive despite market fluctuations.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces Redemption of Preferred Shares
- Redemption Plan: Ellington Financial's Board has authorized the redemption of 4.6 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $25.00 per share plus accrued dividends, effective February 27, 2026, aimed at optimizing capital structure and reducing future dividend obligations.
- Trading Suspension: The Series A Preferred Stock will be suspended from trading on the NYSE before the redemption date, allowing the company to focus resources on other investment opportunities while mitigating market volatility impacts on shareholders.
- Transparent Process: The redemption will be executed through the Depository Trust Company (DTC), with Equiniti Trust Company acting as the redemption agent, ensuring a smooth redemption process that enhances investor confidence and maintains the company's reputation.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The company cautions that future performance may be influenced by various factors; while the redemption plan aims to enhance financial flexibility, attention must be paid to potential impacts from market volatility and interest rate changes on operations.
See More
ELLINGTON FINANCIAL DECLARES REDEMPTION OF SERIES A PREFERRED SHARES
Redemption Announcement: Ellington Financial has announced the redemption of its Series A preferred stock.
Stock Details: The preferred stock will be redeemed at a price of $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its common and preferred stock, ensuring investors can access timely tax information for financial planning.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its extensive market presence and risk management capabilities.
- External Management Model: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, a structure that helps the company leverage expertise and resources to optimize investment strategies and operational efficiency.
- Strategic Investment Focus: The company not only focuses on mortgage-related investments but also engages in consumer loans and asset-backed securities, indicating its ongoing efforts in diversified investment strategies to adapt to market changes.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial Inc. has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its website, ensuring investors can access timely tax information for financial planning purposes.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its broad market presence and risk management capabilities aimed at achieving stable returns through diversification.
- External Management Model: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, a structure that leverages specialized knowledge and resources to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of investment decisions, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- Investor Relations Channels: The company provides various contact methods for investors to obtain more information, including phone and email, reflecting its commitment to investor communication and aiming to enhance investor trust and satisfaction.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its common and preferred stock, providing transparency to help investors understand their tax obligations.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its extensive market presence and risk management capabilities.
- External Management Structure: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, which may provide the company with professional investment strategies and market insights.
- Investor Relations Channels: The company offers multiple contact methods for investors to obtain further information, enhancing communication and trust with investors, thereby promoting transparency and information flow.
See More
Monthly Dividend Stocks Investment Strategy
- Monthly Dividend Advantage: Monthly paying stocks yield between 5% and 11%, with an average yield of 7.9%, meaning a $500,000 investment portfolio can generate $39,500 annually in dividend income while preserving principal, enhancing cash flow management.
- REIT Performance: Realty Income (O), a $55 billion REIT with 15,500 commercial properties, boasts 667 consecutive dividends, yet its lackluster performance in 2023 raises concerns about its growth potential amid economic slowdowns, necessitating close monitoring.
- Leverage Risks: SL Green Realty (SLG), Manhattan's largest landlord with nearly 31 million square feet of prime real estate, faces a 19% drop in 2026 FFO estimates and high leverage, increasing dividend volatility, prompting investors to exercise caution.
- High Yield Potential: Ellington Financial (EFC) leads with an 11.7% yield, primarily investing in mortgages through short-term borrowing; its recent secondary offering boosted dividend yield, making it attractive despite market fluctuations.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces Redemption of Preferred Shares
- Redemption Plan: Ellington Financial's Board has authorized the redemption of 4.6 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $25.00 per share plus accrued dividends, effective February 27, 2026, aimed at optimizing capital structure and reducing future dividend obligations.
- Trading Suspension: The Series A Preferred Stock will be suspended from trading on the NYSE before the redemption date, allowing the company to focus resources on other investment opportunities while mitigating market volatility impacts on shareholders.
- Transparent Process: The redemption will be executed through the Depository Trust Company (DTC), with Equiniti Trust Company acting as the redemption agent, ensuring a smooth redemption process that enhances investor confidence and maintains the company's reputation.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The company cautions that future performance may be influenced by various factors; while the redemption plan aims to enhance financial flexibility, attention must be paid to potential impacts from market volatility and interest rate changes on operations.
See More
ELLINGTON FINANCIAL DECLARES REDEMPTION OF SERIES A PREFERRED SHARES
Redemption Announcement: Ellington Financial has announced the redemption of its Series A preferred stock.
Stock Details: The preferred stock will be redeemed at a price of $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.
See More
