Mortgage rates move higher despite Fed rate cut

Core Insights - Mortgage rates have increased slightly following the Federal Reserve's cut to the benchmark federal funds rate, with the average 30-year mortgage rate rising to 6.3% from 6.26% and 15-year rates increasing to 5.49% from 5.41% [1][2] Mortgage Rate Dynamics - The Federal Reserve does not directly control mortgage rates, and it is common for mortgage rates to rise even after a cut in benchmark interest rates, as seen in previous years [2] - Mortgage markets tend to be forward-looking, often pricing in anticipated Fed moves ahead of time, which was evident when rates initially dropped in anticipation of the Fed's rate cut but later rose [3] Refinancing and Home Sales Activity - Refinancing activity has surged by 80% compared to four weeks ago, although refinancing applications increased only 1% week-over-week, while applications for home purchases remained nearly unchanged [4] - Existing home sales have slightly declined in August, with projections indicating that sales for the year may reach a 30-year low [5]