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Average US rate on 30-year mortgage rises to 3.68 percent

In this April 13, 2015, photo, a sign points the way to a sales center for tract housing in Las Vegas. Freddie Mac reports on average U.S. mortgage rates on Thursday, April 30, 2015. (AP Photo/John Locher) In this April 13, 2015, photo, a sign points the way to a sales center for tract housing in Las Vegas. Freddie Mac reports on average U.S. mortgage rates on Thursday, April 30, 2015. (AP Photo/John Locher)

By Associated Press April 30, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates rose slightly this week, but remain near historic lows with the spring home-buying season underway and showing strong sales.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac says the national average for a 30-year fixed -rate mortgage increased to 3.68 percent from 3.65 percent last week.

The average rate for a 15-year mortgage, popular with homeowners who refinance, ticked up to 2.94 percent from 2.92 percent.

A year ago, the 30-year mortgage rate averaged 4.29 percent while the 15-year mortgage averaged 3.38 percent.

Rates have remained low despite the Federal Reserve’s decision last year to stop monthly bond purchases meant to hold down long-term rates. The Fed downgraded its view of the economy on Wednesday and offered no sign that a rate increase might be coming soon.