Morning Update: Mortgage Rates Edge Up to 5.87%
February 19, 2026 · Market Report
After a significant dip earlier this month due to cooling inflation data, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose seven basis points this morning, Thursday, February 19, to 5.87% APR.
The Spring Cut Speculation
Investors are still betting on a Federal Reserve rate cut in March, which has kept rates well below the 7% mark seen last year. However, today's minor "tick up" reminds buyers that the floor might be higher than expected. At 5.87%, a $400,000 loan costs significantly less in interest than it did in 2025, yet the labor required to pay it off remains a hurdle.
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