U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rates climbed to an average contract rate of 7.30%, up from 7.12% the previous week and marking the highest level since November 2023. The increase, reported by the Mortgage Bankers Association, represents the sixth consecutive weekly rise and pushed points on 20% down payment loans to 0.75 from 0.73 for conforming loan balances up to $832,750. Mortgage demand fell 6% as higher rates severely impacted refinancing activity, which dropped 9% week-over-week and remains 56% below year-ago levels. Refinancing's share of total mortgage volume declined to 38.3% from 39.3%, with government-backed refinance applications falling 13% as both FHA and VA loan volumes posted double-digit weekly declines.