U.S. MORTGAGE RATES HOLD AT 7.4% AFTER SEVEN WEEKS OF INCREASES The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate remained at 7.4%, ending seven consecutive weeks of increases. Rates have climbed sharply from 6.65% in August, putting additional pressure on an already struggling housing market. Meanwhile, mortgage applications fell 2.7%, marking their sixth straight weekly decline. The key concern: Elevated borrowing costs and near-record home prices continue to discourage buyers. Source: Mortgage market report; Mortgage Bankers Association(彭博社)