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US mortgage rates climb past 7% amid renewed inflation pressures

Borrowing costs rise as the Federal Reserve hikes interest rates and Treasury yields climb.

The short version

  • US mortgage rates have surpassed 7%, with the 30-year fixed rate reaching 7.12% according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.[CBS News · The Guardian]
  • The climb follows the Federal Reserve's first interest rate hike since 2023, prompted by elevated inflation and rising energy prices linked to conflict with Iran.[The Guardian]
  • Treasury yields have reached multi-year highs despite Treasury buyback efforts, and a majority of Fed policymakers project at least one more rate increase before year's end.[The Guardian]

Key facts

  • The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 7.12% for the week ending Sept. 18, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.[CBS News]
  • The Federal Reserve increased interest rates for the first time since 2023, citing persistent inflation.[The Guardian]
  • A majority of the Federal Reserve's rate-setting committee projected at least one additional rate increase before the end of the year.[The Guardian]
  • The 10-year US Treasury yield reached its highest level since July 2007, pushing borrowing costs upward.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • Reporting differs on when mortgage rates were last above 7%: Freddie Mac data dates the threshold to January 2025, while Mortgage Bankers Association records indicate May 2024.[CBS News · The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.