[U.S. mortgage interest rates rise to 7.3%, the highest in the past three years] On September 30, U.S. mortgage interest rates rose for the sixth consecutive week, approaching the highest level in three years, making it more difficult for potential home buyers to enter the market. Data released by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) on Wednesday showed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage contract rate increased 18 basis points to 7.30% in the week ended September 25, the highest since November 2023. The five-year adjustable-rate mortgage rate rose 37 basis points to 6.47%, the highest in more than two years. Rising financing costs are putting more pressure on the already troubled U.S. housing market. The MBA Home Purchase Index, which measures home loan applications, fell 4.3% to its lowest level since April 2025. The refinancing index fell another 8.7%, extending its decline since mid-August. Mortgage rates are closely tied to the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield. U.S. bond yields continue to rise as conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war keep energy costs and overall inflation high. On Tuesday, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose to its highest level in more than 19 years. Concerns about U.S. government debt and recent data showing solid economic activity are also pushing up borrowing costs. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate earlier this month to curb inflation, the first rate increase since 2023. Investors expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates again before the end of this year.