Mortgage rates

The decline for the third consecutive week reflects investors' belief that the Federal Open Market Committee is likely to cut rates this year.

Markets appeared to welcome signs of future rate relief, with the latest Freddie Mac average falling for the fifth time in six weeks.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage average dropped back below the 7% level as investors reacted positively to news the economy is slowing, Freddie Mac said.

Yields on the benchmark 10-year Treasury also rose in the past week as bond and note auctions got tepid responses from investors.

BofA is betting the Federal Reserve will make only one cut to the federal funds rate by the end of this year. MBA says originators are in for a $1.6 to $1.8 trillion year.

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell for the first time in six weeks as the Federal Open Market Committee meeting outcome is finally priced in.

The Federal Open Market Committee held the federal funds rate at current levels, citing "lack of further progress" toward meeting inflation goals.

Mortgage rates rose 7 basis points this week, Freddie Mac said, and more increases are likely following a weaker than expected gross domestic product report.

But the number of properties whose mortgage is more than 90 days late is at its lowest since 2006, ICE Mortgage Technology said.