When the Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point in September, it wasn't a particularly surprising move. At that point, the Fed was expected to make its first rate cut of the year in response to cooling inflation.

In fact, mortgage rates are going on their sixth week of increases. That's despite the Fed having made an even bigger 0.5% rate cut in September. According to the data we pull from Bankrate, today's average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.88%.

Despite the increase in rates, some home buyers were returning to the market, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The market composite index — a measure of mortgage a

Though the Federal Reserve has been cutting interest rates, mortgage rates have been increasing or holding steady. When will potential homeowners see mortgage relief.

On Nov. 7, the Federal Reserve implemented a 0.25% reduction to the federal funds rate, its second cut in over four years. Prospective homebuyers are eager for a silver lining in the housing market. But experts don't anticipate dramatically lower rates before the end of the year.

Earlier on Thursday, mortgage rates rose again for the sixth consecutive week, hitting a four-month high of 6.79%, according to Freddie Mac. The Fed's latest rate cut, which was universally expected and thus fully priced in to bond markets, is unlikely to bring relief to mortgage rates in the near term.

The Federal Reserve is set to issue another rate cut this week. Here's what could then happen to mortgage rates.

The Fed cut rates for the second time this year. Learn how this impacts mortgage rates and what to expect in the coming months.

The Fed has officially cut interest rates twice this year. But read on to see whether you should run out to sign a mortgage or not.