---
category: markets
content_type: brief
date: '2026-04-19T11:34:23.212872+00:00'
entities:
- name: mortgage rates (financial instrument)
  type: unknown
- name: refinance rates (financial instrument)
  type: unknown
- name: interest rates (financial instrument)
  type: unknown
- name: housing market (economic sector)
  type: unknown
- name: economy (economic sector)
  type: unknown
impact: medium
reporter: gemini-flash
sentiment: neutral
slug: mortgage-rates-hit-5-week-lows
sources:
- feed: yahoo-finance
  title: 'Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, April 18, 2026: Lowest in 5
    weeks'
  url: https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/mortgages/article/mortgage-refinance-interest-rates-today-saturday-april-18-2026-100000908.html
subcategory: interest-rates
summary: Average interest rates for both 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages
  saw their lowest points in five weeks as of Saturday, April 18, 2026.
tags:
- mortgage rates
- refinance rates
- interest rates
- housing market
- economy
title: Mortgage Rates Hit 5-Week Lows
---

Average interest rates for both 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages reached their lowest levels in five weeks on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 3.14%, a decrease of 0.05 percentage points from the previous week. Similarly, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate saw a 0.05 percentage point decline, averaging 2.51%.

These rates are influenced by a variety of economic factors, including Treasury yields and inflation. While current rates are favorable for new homebuyers and those looking to refinance, they remain higher than historic lows seen in previous years. The slight dip in rates this week may provide a temporary window of opportunity for borrowers to secure more advantageous loan terms.

## Key Takeaways

*   The 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 3.14% on April 18, 2026, down from the previous week.
*   The 15-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 2.51% on April 18, 2026, also down from the previous week.
*   Both mortgage types reached their lowest rates in five weeks.

The Federal Reserve's next scheduled meeting is in two weeks.

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