09/21/2026
๐ก Mortgage Rate Update | Week of September 21
Mortgage rates continued moving higher last week, although they recovered somewhat after hitting their worst levels following the Fed meeting.
The Fed raised its short-term policy rate as expected, but remember: the Fed does not directly set 30-year fixed mortgage rates.
Markets had already anticipated the Fed's move. The bigger concern for mortgage rates was the possibility of additional rate hikes this year.
โ ๏ธ This week could be volatile.
Oil prices are starting the week lower, which could provide some relief for mortgage rates. Markets are also watching developments in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz and headlines coming from the UN General Assembly.
If oil continues falling or there are signs of progress toward a deal with Iran, mortgage rates could benefit. Further escalation or another increase in oil prices could push rates higher.
For now, expect some day-to-day movement rather than a dramatic change in either direction.
I'll continue watching the markets and sharing what actually matters for mortgage rates.