Interest Rates – Page 21

China Central Bank Cuts Key Interest Rate on Bank Lending

The action by the People’s Bank of China, the central bank, the latest in a series of steps to try to spur lending, was more modest than expected.

The prospects for a soft landing for the economy and the markets look better than they have in months. Our columnist is still worried.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has been rising again, making it even harder for buyers to afford homes, which are in short supply.

Despite mortgage rates hitting multidecade highs and jitters in the bond market, demand for new homes is strong and prices are rising.

Federal Reserve officials raised interest rates at their July 26 meeting, but investors doubt that they will lift them again this year.