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U.S. Mortgage Rates Slip to Just Under 7% as Fed Holds Rates Steady

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate eased to 6.90% on July 17, reflecting the Fed’s decision to keep policy rates unchanged.

Overview

  • Refinance rates dipped by 1 basis point to 7.09%, ending a recent three-day climb and retreating from a one-month high.
  • Mortgage borrowing costs have remained above 6% for nearly three years after surging to 8% in late 2023, limiting relief for homebuyers.
  • Adjustable-rate mortgages now account for more than a quarter of new conventional loans, up from under 8% in early 2021.
  • The Federal Reserve has paused rate cuts through four meetings in 2025 and is not expected to lower its benchmark until at least September.
  • Homeowners who locked in rates above 6% in 2022–23 continue to face minimal refinancing gains, fueling widespread borrower frustration.