When the Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point in September, it wasn't a particularly surprising move. At that point, the Fed was expected to make its first rate cut of the year in response to cooling inflation.

Despite the increase in rates, some home buyers were returning to the market, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The market composite index — a measure of mortgage a

Earlier on Thursday, mortgage rates rose again for the sixth consecutive week, hitting a four-month high of 6.79%, according to Freddie Mac. The Fed's latest rate cut, which was universally expected and thus fully priced in to bond markets, is unlikely to bring relief to mortgage rates in the near term.

While rate cuts from the Fed should gradually lead to lower mortgage rates, we haven't gotten there yet. There's no reason to rush into a mortgage given there's little financial upside right now. There's a reason the Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark ...

On Nov. 7, the Federal Reserve implemented a 0.25% reduction to the federal funds rate, its second cut in over four years. Prospective homebuyers are eager for a silver lining in the housing market. But experts don't anticipate dramatically lower rates before the end of the year.

The Federal Reserve delivered a 0.25% interest rate cut last week. But prospective homebuyers wishing for lower mortgage rates are likely to be disappointed. While the central bank influences home loan rates,