FX.co ★ US 30-Year Mortgage Rates Ease Slightly

After five consecutive weekly increases, mortgage rates edged down last week. The average rate on 30-year fixed mortgages for conforming loans of $832,750 or less slipped to 6.57% in the week ended May 29, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The modest decline was largely attributed to expectations of lower energy prices, as improved conditions in the Middle East boosted sentiment in bond markets. However, the slight easing in borrowing costs did little to spur demand. Total mortgage application volume fell 2.5% from the prior week, with refinance applications down 2% and purchase applications declining 3%.