Mortgage rates dipped slightly this week, with the 30-year rate at 6.19% and the 15-year rate at 5.54%. Global bond yields, including the 10-year Treasury linked to mortgage rates, saw volatility due to mixed signals on the US job market. The Fed is expected to cut rates next week, potentially keeping rates low.

Experts predict mortgage rates to remain around 6.2-6.3% into next year. Applications for refinancings dropped 4%, while purchase applications rose 3%. Affordability challenges and economic uncertainty continue to impact demand. Refinance and home purchase activity remains slow as the year ends, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Mortgage rates dip back toward year-to-date lows