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Mortgage rates climbed again this week, and economists say the trend may well continue as the economy sees some improvement. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.75% this week, Freddie Mac reports.

“The modest uptick in mortgage rates over the last two months reflects declining recession fears and a more sanguine outlook for the global economy,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Due to the improved economic outlook, purchase mortgage applications rose fifteen percent over the same week a year ago, the second highest weekly increase in the last two years. Given the important role residential real estate plays in the economy, the steady improvement of the housing market is a reassuring sign that the economy is on solid ground heading into next year.”

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Nov. 14:

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.75%, with an average 0.6 point, rising from last week’s 3.69% average. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 4.94%.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.2%, with an average 0.5 point, rising rom last week’s 3.13% average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 4.36%.
• 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 3.44%, with an average 0.4 point, rising from last week’s 3.39% average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 4.14%.