Wed Mar 19 19:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Mortgage Rates Remain Steady Despite Market Volatility

**NEW YORK** – Mortgage rates showed remarkable resilience this week, remaining largely unchanged despite significant turmoil in the stock market. According to Freddie Mac data, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage held steady at 6.65%, only slightly up from 6.63% the previous week. Fifteen-year mortgages saw a minimal increase, rising one basis point to 5.8%.

This stability comes even as the stock market experienced a sharp sell-off fueled by President Trump’s tariff policies and subsequent retaliatory measures from global trading partners. While snapping a seven-week decline, current mortgage rates are still near three-month lows, boosting buyer activity.

“Mortgage rates continue to be relatively low versus the last few months, and homebuyers have responded,” stated Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater. This observation is supported by data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), which shows a 7% increase in purchase mortgage applications and a 16% jump in refinance applications last week. The MBA anticipates continued steady demand throughout the spring buying season if rates remain low.

The relative stability in mortgage rates, despite fluctuating 10-year Treasury yields, offers a potential boon for the housing market. Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, suggests that lower rates could incentivize both buyers and sellers to participate more actively in the market.

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