Overview
- Freddie Mac reports the 30‑year fixed rate at 6.22% for the week of Dec. 11, up from 6.19% a week earlier yet still near this year’s lows, with the 15‑year at 5.54%.
- The Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 3.50%–3.75%, its third cut of 2025, with the move largely anticipated by markets.
- Mortgage pricing is keyed to the 10‑year Treasury, which slipped after the Fed meeting, keeping rates broadly range‑bound in the low‑6% area rather than dropping sharply.
- Fed projections point to only one additional quarter‑point cut in 2026, and Chair Jerome Powell highlighted a housing supply ‘lock‑in’ as owners hold ultra‑low mortgages.
- Consumers may see faster relief on credit cards, HELOCs and some ARMs, but experts urge careful review of ARM caps, reset schedules and any prepayment penalties.