Mortgage Rates Ease Slightly in February Amid Economic Uncertainty

Mortgage rates declined marginally in February, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage falling to 6.84%. After climbing steadily since December and peaking at 7.04% in mid-January, rates have been trending downward.

According to Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased 12 basis points (bps) from January, while the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 13 bps to 6.03%. Although the recent decline in mortgage rates and an increase in the total single-family homes supply are positive signs for buyers, homebuying activity may remain sluggish due to persistent high prices and mortgage rates still exceeding 6%.

The 10-year Treasury yield declined 11 bps to an average of 4.52% in February, reversing its recent upward trend. This shift reflects concerns over a weakening U.S. economy due to inflationary pressures and increasing geopolitical risks. In response, the markets anticipate that the Federal Reserve will resume rate cuts later in the year.