Mortgage rates moved only slightly higher today, but even that modest increase was enough to push them to their highest level in nearly 11 months. The average top-tier 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose by 0.02 percentage points to 6.77%, marking the highest reading since July 28, 2025.
Mortgage rates tend to follow movements in the bond market, which remains under pressure as fuel prices climb again. Higher energy costs, along with renewed uncertainty surrounding the war in Iran, have strengthened concerns that inflation could remain elevated. Those inflation expectations are creating additional challenges for bonds and, in turn, mortgage rates.
Last week’s inflation reports initially brought some relief to the market. However, investors have since recognized that the data reflected economic conditions in June, when fuel prices were at their lowest levels since the conflict began.
July has presented a very different picture. Gasoline futures have rebounded sharply and, as of this morning, reached their highest levels of the year. If fuel prices remain elevated, inflation concerns may continue to influence both the bond market and mortgage rates.
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