'Is that a threat? Sure it is’: China could make a ‘retaliatory’ move that experts say would ‘hit us hard’ — especially US homeowners. Here’s what’s happening and how to protect your wealth

Why this matters

Treasury securities are bonds issued and backed by the U.S. federal government, while mortgage-backed securities (MBS) contain pools of mortgages.

Foreign countries own $1.32 trillion of U.S. mortgage-backed securities, according to a global markets analysis from Ginnie Mae. China is one of the largest holders of agency mortgage-backed securities, along with Japan, Taiwan and Canada.

If Chinese institutions started selling off MBS — and if other countries start following suit — it could ripple through global financial markets.

Some doubt it will happen. This would “damage China’s own financial interests by devaluing its remaining holdings and destabilizing global currency markets,” Melissa Cohn, regional vice-president of William Raveis Mortgage, told Newsweek.

It’s generally thought to be in China’s best interest that the country keep its currency, the renminbi (RMB), lower than the U.S. dollar, since — as a nation dependent on exports — it wants to keep its prices competitive. Thus, by purchasing U.S. debt, China maintains the balance according to which Americans can continue to buy more Chinese products.

Still, an escalating trade war has raised uncertainty — and a sell-off isn’t off the table if China is willing to absorb losses. China had already begun selling off some of its U.S. MBS last year and there’s speculation it’s continuing to do so.

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What does this mean for U.S. homebuyers?

MBS investors influence mortgage rates, based on what they’re willing to pay for mortgage-backed securities. Accelerating a sell-off would translate into lower prices for the bonds and, thus, higher mortgage rates for Americans, especially those with variable-rate mortgages.

“Most investors are concerned that mortgage spreads would widen in response to either China, Japan or Canada coming in with a retaliatory objective,” Eric Hagen, mortgage and specialty finance analyst at BTIG, told CNBC.

For those unlucky homeowners, even refinancing could leave them with higher payments. At any rate, refinancing would be less attractive, since rising rates could negate any potential savings. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate (as of April 17) averaged 6.83%, according to Freddie Mac.

Some buyers could also be priced out of the market. Higher mortgage rates can lead to a reduction in demand and, in turn, lower housing prices, so sellers may be tempted to stay put until the market improves.

Since higher rates lead to higher monthly payments — and a higher debt-to-income ratio for borrowers — this scenario can also lead to a tightening of lending standards. To mitigate risk, lenders may increase credit score requirements or require larger down payments.

If you’re looking to buy a home, secure a mortgage pre-approval so you have a budget to work with (though a pre-approval isn’t a guarantee). If you can get a good rate now, you may want to lock it in. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might be able to apply for an FHA loan, which is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration.

If demand stalls, sellers may want to consider lowering the asking price or offering incentives (such as covering the buyer’s closing costs) to sweeten the pot.

On the other hand, amid economic turmoil and plummeting consumer confidence, buyers and sellers may simply choose to wait it out.

In the meantime, it’s a good idea to build up your emergency fund to help cover higher costs if necessary.