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Average 30-year US mortgage rate climbs to 6.55%, highest level in nearly a year
On Thursday, Freddie Mac reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.55%, reaching its highest level in nearly a year as renewed geopolitical tensions rattled financial markets.
Mortgage rates generally track the 10-year Treasury yield, which rose to 4.57% this week amid renewed fighting between America and Iran, driving up borrowing costs.
Pending home sales in June fell 5.4% month-over-month, while the Mortgage Bankers Association reported mortgage applications dropped 7% last week, signaling cooling buyer activity.
Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, noted that high rates and record-high home prices are creating a tepid market for first-time homebuyers.
Before the conflict in Iran began, the average rate was just 3.97% in late February, illustrating how geopolitical instability continues to reshape the financial landscape for Americans.