Average US 30-year mortgage rate declines to 3.43 per cent

WASHINGTON — Long-term U.S. mortgage rates declined this week after rising for three straight weeks, continuing to lure prospective homebuyers.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac says the average for the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.43 per cent from 3.48 per cent last week. The average rate is down sharply from 3.91 per cent a year ago.

The 15-year fixed mortgage rate dipped to 2.74 per cent from 2.78 per cent last week.

The Associated Press