Freddie Mac reported that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) average fell to 6.67% in the week ending August 13, 2026, reflecting a slight easing in borrowing costs for homebuyers. The decrease of 2 basis points from the previous week’s average of 6.69% follows a period of volatility, even as Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater noted that housing affordability has improved from a year ago and recent increases in purchase and refinance applications suggest borrowers are responding to modest rate changes.

The Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) data reveals a synchronized decline across both primary tenors. While the 30-year FRM dropped, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.96%, down from 6.01% the prior week. Both rates remain comparable to their respective levels from a year ago, when the 30-year FRM averaged 6.58% and the 15-year FRM averaged 5.71%. This year-over-year comparison suggests that while current rates are slightly higher than last year’s averages, they have stabilized compared to the peaks seen earlier in the year.

Weekly Mortgage Rate Performance

The PMMS focuses on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home purchase loans. The figures apply specifically to borrowers with excellent credit scores who make a 20% down payment. This strict parameter set ensures the data reflects pricing for well-qualified buyers rather than subprime or jumbo loan segments, which often carry different risk premiums.

What the Numbers Show

The convergence of weekly trends highlights a market finding stability. Unlike the previous week’s divergence where the 30-year rate rose while the 15-year fell, both tenors now show downward momentum. The fact that both remain near their year-ago averages indicates that the overall cost of borrowing has remained relatively contained. For lenders and investors, this suggests that near-term rate sensitivity is moderating, supported by improved affordability metrics and rising application volumes. The stability provided by these factors acts as a counterbalance to higher baseline rates, preventing a sharper decline in buyer demand that might otherwise accompany elevated financing costs.

Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) reported its Second Quarter 2026 financial results on July 30, 2026, filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The release marks the completion of the earnings cycle previously scheduled for that date, providing investors with updated performance metrics from the government-sponsored enterprise. Freddie Mac plays a critical role in providing liquidity and stability to the U.S. housing market.

The company made its Form 10-Q, earnings press release, Second Quarter 2026 financial supplement, and earnings presentation available on its Investor Relations page. Management held a webcast at 9 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on July 30 to publicly share the results with media and investors. A replay of the presentation will remain accessible on the company’s website for approximately 30 days.

Earnings Release Schedule

About Freddie Mac

Freddie Mac’s mission is to make home possible for families across the nation by promoting liquidity, stability, and affordability in the housing market throughout all economic cycles. Since 1970, the company has assisted tens of millions of families in buying, renting, or keeping their homes.

For further information, investors may contact Mahesh Lal at 571-382-3630. Media inquiries can be directed to Frederick Solomon at 703-903-3861.