The U.S. economy is growing — albeit at a modest pace — and the labor market continues to add jobs." Mortgage rates lower due to stock markets The current global fluctuations on the stock markets have helped push mortgage rates lower for the week to Aug. 27 according to the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey. The rate for 30 year FRMs was down to 3.84 per cent from 3.93 per cent a week earlier; 15-year FRMs averaged 3.06 per cent, down from 3.15 per cent; 5-year ARMs averaged 2.90 per cent, down from 2.94 per cent; 1-year ARMs were unchanged at 2.62 per cent. Sean Becketti, chief economist of Freddie Mac, says that if stock market conditions remain bumpy the Fed may delay interest rate increases: "If that's the case, the 30-year mortgage rate may remain subdued in the short-to-medium term, providing support for continued strength in the housing sector."