Lifestyle and Budget

A glance at US mortgage rates: down for 5th straight week

Long-term U.S. mortgage rates fell for the fifth consecutive week, tipping the key 30-year loan average below 4% for the first time in nearly a year and a half This week Last week Year ago 30-year fixed 3.99 4.06 4.56 15-year fixed 3.46 3.51 4.06 5-year adjustable 3.60 3.68 3.80

Homebuyers could feel more pinch from China tariffs

Many of the mundane materials used in home construction from nails to screws to hinges are manufactured in China; as are the more obvious materials, such as doors, windows, appliances and fixtures.