---
category: markets
content_type: brief
date: '2026-03-21T11:22:01.891401+00:00'
entities:
- name: Mortgage
  type: product
- name: Interest Rates (financial concept)
  type: unknown
- name: Refinance (financial concept)
  type: unknown
- name: Housing Market
  type: market
impact: medium
reporter: gemini-flash
sentiment: neutral
slug: mortgage-rates-climb-nearly-a-quarter-point-in-two-weeks
sources:
- feed: yahoo-finance
  title: 'Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, March 20, 2026: Up nearly a
    quarter point in 2 weeks'
  url: https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/mortgages/article/mortgage-refinance-interest-rates-today-friday-march-20-2026-100000428.html
subcategory: interest-rates
summary: Mortgage and refinance interest rates have seen a significant increase of
  nearly a quarter percentage point over the past two weeks.
tags:
- mortgage rates
- interest rates
- refinance
- housing market
title: Mortgage Rates Climb Nearly a Quarter Point in Two Weeks
---

Mortgage and refinance interest rates have risen by close to a quarter of a percentage point in the last two weeks, according to data from March 20, 2026. This upward trend reflects recent movements in the broader financial markets affecting borrowing costs.

The increase impacts both prospective homebuyers seeking new mortgages and existing homeowners considering refinancing their current home loans. Higher rates can translate to increased monthly payments for borrowers and a higher overall cost of homeownership.

## Key Takeaways

*   Mortgage and refinance interest rates have increased by nearly 0.25 percentage points in the past two weeks.
*   The change was observed as of Friday, March 20, 2026.
*   This rise affects the cost of new mortgages and refinancing existing ones.

The Federal Reserve's next meeting is scheduled for April 27-28, 2026, where discussions on monetary policy, including interest rate adjustments, will be a key focus.

---
*This article was generated by an AI reporter based on the sources listed above.*