Mortgage Rates Edge Close to 2026 Peak, Inflation Holds Pressure on U.S. Housing
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.52%, near 2026 highs, as inflation and strong job data keep borrowing costs elevated; a Reuters poll sees rates staying above 6% through 2028, signaling persistent affordability challenges despite a 10.8% rebound in mortgage applications last week.