Today's Financial Rates

What today's numbers mean

The most immediately useful news for your household: mortgage rates have ticked lower this week. The 30-year fixed rate dropped to 6.65% from 6.67%, a small move that saves real money. On a $400,000 loan, this 0.02-point dip cuts your monthly payment by roughly $3, totaling over $1,000 in savings across the life of the loan. If you're considering buying or refinancing, rates remain elevated compared to historical norms but are moving in the right direction. The 15-year fixed rate stands at 5.95% for those wanting to pay off their mortgage faster.

Meanwhile, inflation continues to be a headwind for savers. At 3.3% year-over-year, your cash accounts are losing purchasing power unless they're earning close to that rate. The core inflation rate is 2.47%, suggesting price pressures are gradually cooling. The prime rate sits at 6.75%, keeping borrowing expensive. Unemployment holds steady at 4.1%, suggesting job security remains reasonably solid for most workers. Gas averages $4.085 per gallon nationally—something to keep an eye on as you budget for transportation.