Mortgage rates rise as Iran war fans inflation fears and lifts Treasury yields
CBSN
Mortgage rates in the U.S. jumped this week to the highest level in three months, as the Iran war fans inflation fears and puts pressure on the U.S. housing market. Edited by Alain Sherter In:
Mortgage rates in the U.S. jumped this week to the highest level in three months, as the Iran war fans inflation fears and puts pressure on the U.S. housing market.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.22% in the week ending March 19, up from 6.11% the previous week, according to Freddie Mac.
Economists note that current borrowing costs remain well below the 6.67% rate on a conventional 30-year loan a year ago. Still, the latest uptick is a discouraging sign for house hunters as the spring buying season kicks off. In late February, mortgage rates fell below 6% for the first time since September 2022.
"Elevated uncertainty could once again sideline both buyers and sellers, echoing the hesitant market conditions seen last year," Anthony Smith, senior economist at Realtor.com, told the Associated Press.
Mortgage applications fell nearly 11% last week from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. New Census Bureau data also show that sales of new single-family homes dropped nearly 18% in January from the previous month and are down 11.3% from January 2025.

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