Mortgage rates dropped slightly this week amid a calm financial market due to the government shutdown. The average 30-year rate was 6.3%, down from 6.34%, while 15-year rates were at 5.53%, down from 5.55%. Rates have remained stable around 6.3% for the past month.

With the delay of the latest jobs report due to the shutdown, markets are relying on alternative data sources like ADP’s payrolls report for private employers. The US lost 32,000 jobs in September, briefly affecting the 10-year Treasury yield, which mortgage rates follow.

As rates remained steady, refinancing and purchase activity slowed. Refinancing applications dropped 8% and purchase applications declined 1%. Despite stability in rates, there may be broader uncertainty affecting consumer sentiment for prospective homebuyers.

Claire Boston, a Senior Reporter for Yahoo Finance, covers housing, mortgages, and home insurance. Stay informed with the latest financial news on Yahoo Finance.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Mortgage rates move slightly lower as government shutdown delays key data