Mortgage Rates Rise to 6.09% Amid Geopolitical Tensions - Freddie Mac

Mortgage rates rose slightly to 6.09% for the 30-year fixed loan as of January 22, 2026, driven by renewed U.S.-Europe trade tensions and Treasury yield volatility. The average 15-year mortgage rate climbed to 5.44%, up from 5.38% the prior week, according to Freddie Mac data. The surge followed President Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland, which pushed yields on the 10-year Treasury higher and briefly lifted mortgage rates to 6.2%. However, rates retreated after Trump announced a framework deal with NATO, causing Treasury yields to fall. Mortgage News Daily reported the 30-year rate at 6.19% midday Thursday, near levels seen before Trump’s $200 billion bond-buying plan. Realtor.com economist Anthony Smith attributed the move to "selling pressure in Treasuries" linked to trade policy uncertainty. Lenders like NFM Lending’s Kyle McCort advised clients to remain calm amid fluctuations, emphasizing long-term planning over short-term market swings.