Overview
- Freddie Mac reported this week that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.67% and the 15-year fixed rate averaged 5.96%, marking the first weekly decline after several straight increases.
- July’s Consumer Price Index edged down to about 3.4% and the 10-year Treasury yield eased into the mid-4% range, moves that directly helped push mortgage-backed securities and loan pricing modestly lower.
- Mortgage application activity rose modestly after the reprieve, with industry surveys showing a roughly 3–5% week‑over‑week increase in purchase and refinance filings.
- Despite the small dip, rates remain higher than a year ago and continue to weigh on affordability by raising monthly payments and keeping some would‑be sellers locked in place.
- Most economists and lenders say larger, sustained relief is unlikely this year unless inflation falls decisively or the Iran conflict eases, since mortgage pricing closely follows long-term Treasury yields and inflation expectations.