Oklahoma Mortgage Group - Mike David

On September 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve increased its federal-funds target by 0.25 percentage point to 3.75%–4.00%. Whenever this happens, one question immediately follows: “Did mortgage rates just increase by 0.25% too?” The answer is no—not automatically. The Fed does not directly set mortgage rates The federal-funds rate is a short-term rate affecting how banks lend money to one another. It can influence credit cards, home-equity lines of credit and other variable-rate products relatively quickly. Fixed mortgage rates behave differently. They are influenced more directly by the bond market, including mortgage-backed securities and Treasury yields. Investors consider inflation, employment, economic growth and expectations about future Federal Reserve policy. As a result, mortgage rates can move before the Fed meets because financial markets have already anticipated the decision. They can also move in a different direction after the announcement based on what the Fed says about inf...

A mortgage-rate headline can be useful, but it is easy to give it more meaning than it deserves. Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey is a widely followed national benchmark. It helps consumers and housing professionals see broad market direction. It does not quote a rate to a specific borrower. What the survey tells you Freddie Mac releases the PMMS on Thursdays. The published averages reflect survey methodology and assumptions described by Freddie Mac. They are useful for comparing broad changes over time and understanding the general rate environment. What it does not tell you A national average does not account for every detail of an individual transaction. Available rates and terms may vary based on the loan program, credit profile, down payment or equity, occupancy, property type, loan purpose, points or lender credits, lock period and market conditions when the rate is locked. Not every borrower or property fits the same scenario. Why the full loan estimate matters When ...