Mortgage Research Center data reviewed by Fortune showed the average U.S. 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgage rising to 6.701% in the Aug. 21, 2026, comparison from 6.660% in the previous report, while the 15-year rate increased to 5.843% from 5.821%. Rates also rose to 6.787% for 30-year jumbo loans, 6.086% for FHA loans, 6.167% for VA loans and 6.155% for USDA loans. Separately, Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed its weekly 30-year average declining to 6.65% for the week ending Aug. 20 from 6.67%, marking a second consecutive weekly decline but remaining above 6.58% a year earlier; its 15-year average fell to 5.95% from 5.96%. The differing figures reflect separate data sets and methodologies. Mortgage applications fell 0.4% in the week ending Aug. 14, while purchase applications declined and refinancing was little changed. Elevated borrowing costs, homeowners’ sub-4% mortgage lock-in and limited inventory continued to restrain housing activity. The Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate at 3.50% to 3.75% at its July 28-29 meeting, and a 2026 cut could put downward pressure on mortgage rates, although inflation, national debt, the 10-year Treasury yield and loan demand also influence borrowing costs.