US Mortgage Rates Increase For First Time In Nine Weeks

US Mortgage Rates Increase For First Time In Nine Weeks
A sustained decline in mortgage rates would provide a boost for the housing market (Photographer: Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg)

The average US 30-year mortgage rate rose for the first time since early January, causing a pullback in refinancing and tempering purchase activity.

The contract rate on a 30-year mortgage climbed 5 basis points to 6.72% in the week ended March 14 from the lowest level this year, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data released Wednesday. The rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage also rose.

A sustained decline in mortgage rates would provide a much-needed boost for the housing market as affordability remains constrained by still-elevated prices. 

MBA's refinancing gauge declined nearly 13% after reaching the highest level since early October the previous week. An index applications for home purchases edged up 0.1%.

The MBA survey, which has been conducted weekly since 1990, uses responses from mortgage bankers, commercial banks and thrifts. The data cover more than 75% of all retail residential mortgage applications in the US.

Unlock this article for free
Sign up to access exclusive stories, fewer ads, and a personalised experience.
Set as Trusted Source
on Google Search