Ongoing uncertainty could cause rates to stay high, or increase further. For instance, if tariffs cause inflation to reignite, which most experts and Fed officials expect, it could result in higher bond yields and fewer interest rate cuts by the central bank. Both would be bad for mortgage rates.

The average rate on 30-year fixed home loans increased to 6.75% for the week ending July 17, up from 6.72% last week.

The numbers for June came in pretty much as economists had predicted — a moderate increase from last month. The rate of inflation rose 0.3% from May to June, and was up 2.7% compared to June 2024. In other words, if it feels like everyday goods cost more, it's because many of them do.