Thursday reported a fiscal fourth-quarter loss of $854 million, or $6.90 a share, reflecting a wider than previously disclosed writedown related to mortgage exposure. The company said the writedown ... Forbes - NEW YORK (Thomson Financial) - Bear Stearns Cos. Getting a refinance mortgage loan is a smart move for any homebuyer. This is especially true if the interest rates are low. In the world of finance, interest rates directly affect the way mortgage rates behave. So if the interest rates are low, then mortgage rates will also be low.