The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady for the fourth time this year on Wednesday, leaving its benchmark lending rate unchanged at a range of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent. For homebuyers, this means that mortgage rates are likely to keep hovering around the 7-percent mark for the foreseeable future.

Looming decisions about interest rates from the Federal Reserve

Norway's central bank cut its policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.25% on Thursday, its first reduction of borrowing costs in five years, in a decision that took most analysts by surprise.

The Swiss National Bank has cut interest rates by a quarter point to zero but did not go so far as negative rates, as it battles to restrain its currency, which has surged on global trade tensions. It is the first time that the Alpine country,

The era of zero interest-rate policy is back, after the Swiss National Bank on Thursday lowered interest rates to zero.

Quite a few important mortgage rates ticked downward. It's still expensive to buy a house, but any dip in rates is good news in the housing market.

Mortgage rates are down and still under 7%. Today’s national average on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.86%, according to Bankrate. If you choose a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, the average rate is 6.

After climbing for two days, 30-year refi rates have now reversed course with a notable drop. Rates slipped for many other refi loan types as well.