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Mortgage rates today
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
30-year mortgage rates average 6.63% on Aug 25, 2026, down 1 basis point. Rates stay in mid-6% range, affecting homebuyers and refinancers.
Background
Mortgage rates have been hovering in the mid-6% range due to factors like unresolved Middle East conflict, elevated consumer prices, and record-high national debt. The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its last meeting, and the next meeting is scheduled for September 15-16. The upcoming personal consumption expenditure report, the Fed's preferred inflation measure, could influence rate movement.
How it unfolded
- Aug 20, 202630-year fixed-rate mortgage average climbed to 6.68%, according to Bankrate.
- Aug 21, 2026LendingTree reported 30-year refinance rates averaging 7.02%, with 15-year at 6.44%.
- Aug 25, 202630-year fixed rate averaged 6.63%, down 1 basis point; 15-year at 5.95%, up 7 basis points; 5/1 ARM at 6.62%, down 12 basis points.
- Aug 26, 202630-year rate slightly down to 6.681% from 6.722%; 15-year at 5.857%.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Rates may fluctuate week to week, but significant drops are unlikely in the short-term.
- Caution
- Factors like elevated consumer prices and record-high national debt are keeping rates locked in a tight range.