US MORTGAGE RATES DIP SLIGHTLY The average 30-year US mortgage rate fell 1 basis point to 6.59% in the week ended June 19, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Total mortgage applications rose 1%, recovering from the prior week's decline. Refinancing activity increased 3%, while home purchase applications slipped 0.6%, with borrowing costs remaining near their highest levels since last August.(*Walter Bloomberg)