Average rate on a 30-year mortgage falls again, dips to lowest level since early October

Group 1 - The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage decreased to 6.26% from 6.35% last week, with a year-ago average of 6.09% [1] - The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages fell to 5.41% from 5.5% last week, compared to 5.15% a year ago [2] - The decline in mortgage rates is attributed to expectations of the Federal Reserve cutting rates for the first time since last year, with a quarter-point cut already implemented [3] Group 2 - The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has been mostly declining since late July, influenced by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy and economic expectations [2][3] - The Federal Reserve projected it would lower its benchmark rate two more times this year, reflecting concerns over the U.S. job market [3]