Mortgage rates

For the past week, the benchmark 10-year Treasury closed above 4%, as the markets priced in an increase in the consumer price index.

December's shift in Federal Reserve policy gave a notable boost to the share of consumer respondents who think the affordability of home financing will improve.

The year-end yield on the bond, a global anchor for markets and U.S. mortgage rates, is the culmination of a stunning rebound for Treasuries.

The U.S. may be less rate-sensitive than other countries due to its long-term mortgages but could face tighter credit from hard-hit financial institutions.

But the decline may be close to its floor, as wide spreads compared to 10-year Treasury yields hinder how far averages could fall.

Values declined in two regions and were flat in two others, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller index measures a period when 30-year mortgage rates were climbing toward 8%, shutting out increasing numbers of would-be homebuyers.

Rates that have been below 7% for two consecutive weeks have given originators a gift at what's typically a slow time of year, Freddie Mac said.

The enterprise is now calling for a recession to start in the second quarter of next year, with negative growth expected for the full year.

The Fed's announcement is responsible for a 19 basis point drop in the 10-year yield over a two-day period, pushing the 30-year fixed under 7% for the first time since August, Freddie Mac said.