mortgage rates rose again amid persistent inflation and signs of continued economic growth according to governmentbacked housingfinance agency freddie mac in the week ending thursday the average rate on a 30year fixedrate mortgage rose to 665 from 650 the prior week a year ago the average rate was 376 the average 15year rate rose to 589 from 576 last week freddie mac said a year ago the 15year fixedrate mortgage rate averaged 301 as we started the year the 30year fixedrate mortgage decreased with expectations of lower economic growth inflation and a loosening of monetary policy however given sustained economic growth and continued inflation mortgage rates boomeranged and are inching up toward seven percent said sam khater freddie macs chief economist lower mortgage rates back in january brought buyers back into the market now that rates are moving up affordability is hindered and making it difficult for potential buyers to act particularly for repeat buyers with existing mortgages at less than half of current rates he said write to will feuer at willfeuerwsjcom