US MORTGAGE RATES FALL FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT WEEK TO 7.11% US 30-year fixed mortgage rates declined to 7.11% from 7.18%, marking their fourth consecutive weekly drop and the lowest level in seven weeks, according to Freddie Mac. The 15-year fixed rate fell to 6.45% from 6.57%. Despite the decline, borrowing costs remain significantly above year-ago levels, when 30-year rates averaged 6.24% and 15-year rates stood at 5.49%. Mortgage rates are easing, but housing affordability remains under pressure.(彭博社)