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U.S. Mortgage Rate Reports Show Varied Figures and Comparisons

Conflicting reports from mortgage research sources and news outlets present differing current rates and year-over-year trends for August 2026.

3 reports on this incident · first at Aug 17, 2026, 12:47 p.m. ET

By AI ReporterFirst reported Aug 6, 2026, 1:15 p.m. ETUpdated Aug 18, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET
Developing · checked 8h ago

These figures are revised. Monthly price and employment data is routinely restated in later releases, and the reading reported here is the one published for the period stated.

We last searched for new coverage of this at Aug 18, 2026, 12:41 a.m. ET — checked 8h ago.

the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate

6.67%down 0.02% from Aug 6, 2026

Reading for Aug 13, 2026, published by Freddie Mac, via FRED. 104 readings on the record.

Readings for the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, newest first
PeriodReadingAs publishedSource
Aug 13, 20266.67%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
Aug 6, 20266.69%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
Jul 30, 20266.66%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
Jul 23, 20266.58%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
Jul 16, 20266.55%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
Jul 9, 20266.49%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
Jul 2, 20266.43%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
Jun 25, 20266.49%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
Jun 18, 20266.47%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
Jun 11, 20266.52%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
Jun 4, 20266.48%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
May 28, 20266.53%—Freddie Mac, via FRED
On August 13, 2026, official records recorded a mortgage rate change of -0.02, or -0.3 , from a previous value of $, with a high of and a low of before this reading. Sources reported conflicting current figures depending on the survey referenced. The primary measure reported across outlets was the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, cited at by RISMedia and The Economic Times, and at 6.66 by ClickOrlando. Meanwhile, Fortune cited data from the reporting rates for average 30-year fixed conforming mortgage loans at 6.614 (down from 6.698 on the previous report) and 6.728 . RISMedia also noted that the 15-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.01 , down from 6.04 the previous week. Outlets also differed on comparisons to previous year levels. ClickOrlando reported rates were lower than this time last year, when the 30-year fixed rate stood at 6.72 in July. The Economic Times reported the average rate was up from 6.63 recorded during the same period last year, while RISMedia reported rates were . Official records listed a year-ago value of $, reflecting a year-over-year change of 1.4 . Calculations on household impact reported by Fortune showed that for a 30-year mortgage borrowing $300,000, a rate of 6.614 results in roughly $390,751.67 in total interest, whereas a rate of 6.728 results in roughly $398,906.67 in interest over the life of the loan. Additionally, official records list an incomplete 2027 cost-of-living adjustment estimate of 3.1 based on one month of data, with an average benefit of 62 on an average benefit basis of 2000.

Earlier reports

  1. Aug 17, 2026, 12:54 p.m. ET

    Mortgage Rates Show Divergent Figures Across Reports in August 2026

    On August 13, 2026, news reports cited differing average rates for 30-year fixed mortgages. Outlets referencing Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported rates of 6.69% according to RISMedia and Economic Times, and 6.66% according to ClickOrlando. RISMedia also noted that 15-year fixed mortgage rates averaged 6.01%, down from 6.04% the prior week. In competing coverage, Fortune reported data from the Mortgage Research Center showing average rates between 6.614% and 6.728% for a 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgage loan. Estimated interest costs on a $300,000, 30-year mortgage varied based on these reported rates. Fortune reported calculations from the Office of Financial Readiness mortgage calculator showing interest payments ranging from $390,751.67 at a 6.614% rate to $398,906.67 at a 6.728% rate. Year-over-year comparisons also conflicted across publications: ClickOrlando reported rates were lower than last July's 6.72%, Economic Times reported rates rose from 6.63% during the same period last year, and RISMedia stated rates were above year-ago levels for the first time in 44 weeks. Reference periods spanned Freddie Mac's survey week reported by RISMedia, ClickOrlando, and Economic Times, to Mortgage Research Center data for August 10, 11, and 13 reported by Fortune. According to official records, the prior weekly reading was 6.69%, representing a change of -0.02 or -0.3%. Official records list the value from a year ago at 6.58%, reflecting a 1.4% increase, alongside a pre-reading high of 6.69% and a low of 5.98%. Official records further project an incomplete 2027 COLA estimate of 3.1% one month in, representing an average benefit increase of $62 based on a $2,000 average benefit basis.

  2. Aug 17, 2026, 12:47 p.m. ETFirst report

    Mortgage Rates Top Year-Ago Levels for First Time in 44 Weeks

    Mortgage rates moved higher than year-ago levels for the first time in 44 weeks, according to reporting from RISMedia. According to official records, weekly figures on August 13, 2026, showed a drop of 0.02, or 0.3 percent, from a previous value of 6.69 percent.

    Outlets reported differing figures and data sources for current rates. RISMedia, ClickOrlando, and The Economic Times cited Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, while Fortune reported figures from the Mortgage Research Center. RISMedia and The Economic Times reported the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.69 percent, while ClickOrlando reported 6.66 percent. Fortune reported 30-year rates at 6.614 percent, down from 6.698 percent on the prior report, as well as 6.728 percent. RISMedia also reported that the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.01 percent, down from 6.04 percent the prior week.

    Year-over-year trends also varied across reports. RISMedia stated rates surpassed year-ago levels for the first time in 44 weeks, and The Economic Times reported an increase from 6.63 percent at the same time last year. ClickOrlando reported rates were lower than the 6.72 percent recorded in July of last year. Official records show the value a year ago was 6.58 percent, representing a 1.4 percent increase. Fortune reported that for a 30-year mortgage borrowing $300,000, interest over the life of the loan would total roughly $390,751.67 at a 6.614 percent rate and $398,906.67 at a 6.728 percent rate, based on the Office of Financial Readiness mortgage calculator.

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Revision history

  1. Version 318 Aug 2026, 12:30current

    Updated story to include conflicting reported mortgage rates, household interest impacts, and official survey metrics.

  2. Version 217 Aug 2026, 16:54current

    Updated story to structure outlet figure conflicts and official record readings clearly.

  3. Version 217 Aug 2026, 15:58

    Updated story with precise rate, household impact, and adjustment figures from Freddie Mac via FRED.

  4. Version 117 Aug 2026, 16:25

    First published.

  5. Version 117 Aug 2026, 15:53

    First published.

  6. Version 117 Aug 2026, 16:47current

    First published.

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