After a recent surge to their most expensive level since early July, 30-year mortgages ticked down Friday. Rates for most other loans were down or flat.

U.S. mortgage rates jumped again this week as the New Year beckons. That's the word from Freddie Mac, which released its latest data. Freddie Mac reports the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.85% for the week ending Dec. 26 — up from 6.72% last week. A year ago, mortgage rates averaged 6.61%.

Mortgage costs stayed stubbornly high in 2024, with 30-year fixed rates holding well above 6% for most of the year. Unfortunately for buyers, 2025 isn't looking much better. The Federal Reserve has been cutting interest rates,