The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the U.S. rose to 6.71% this week, up from 6.66% last week, reaching its highest level since July 2025, according to data released by Freddie Mac on Thursday. This exacerbates housing affordability pressures for middle-income families. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller stated on the same day that inflation readings in the past two months have shown clear signs of moderation, suggesting that an interest rate hike might not be necessary at the September 15-16 meeting. Following these remarks, the 10-year U.S. government bond yield fell to 4.744% on Thursday, after having risen to 4.818% the previous day, its highest level since November 1, 2023.