US 30-Year Mortgage Rate Inches Higher
2026-07-16 16:41
By
Larissa Caser
1 min. read
The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage inched higher by 6bps to 6.55% as of July 16, 2026, from 6.49% the previous week, marking the third consecutive week with increases, according to data compiled by Freddie Mac.
“Purchase application demand has weakened recently", said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
"Although housing affordability is more favorable and housing inventory continues to rise, thus the backdrop for prospective homebuyers is modestly improving.” Contracts to buy existing US homes fell in June as elevated mortgage rates continued to weigh on buyer demand, remaining above levels seen at the start of the year.
Meanwhile, minutes from the FOMC's June meeting showed that only a few policymakers favored a rate hike, although renewed hostilities in the Middle East could reinforce inflationary concerns.
Markets continue to price in at least one Federal Reserve rate hike by the end of 2026.