Plan on buying a house? It’s going to be a rough time, notes Grumpy Editor.
Mortgage rates ascend to their highest level in more than 15 years. A survey of lenders shows average Rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage climbs to 6.7 percent. That means a boost in monthly payments.
It's the highest mortgage rate since July, 2007 and marks the sixth straight week of rising rates.
The jump in mortgage rates follows a series of Federal Reserve interest rate increases.
The action means many who have been planning to buy houses will remain as renters.
IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISSED THESE...
PAYING FOR MEDICARE PART B PREMIUMS DIP. For the first time in a decade, Americans next year will be paying lower monthly Medicare Part B premiums. The 3 percent monthly decrease covers routine doctors visits and other outpatient care.
SUICIDE RATES RISE. Suicide rates last year in the U.S. increased 4 percent after declining for two years, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide remains a "major contributor to premature death, especially among people aged 10 to 34, for whom it is the second leading cause of death,” CDC finds. Suicides last year reached 47,646.
DOG IS SPEED DEMON. Reas, a muscular, 51-pound whippet from Michigan City, Indiana, is America’s No. 1 canine speed demon, covering two runs over a 100-yard grass track at the ABC competition in 5.878 and 5.816 seconds. Averaging 34.98 miles per hour, gives him the title of 2022 Fastest Dogs USA.
MEN ALLOWED TO WEAR SKIRTS. Virgin Atlantic airlines, which already allows male employees to use females' showering facilities, updates its “Gender Identity Policy” to allow men to wear skirts while on the job. Previously, male employees on planes and in airports were required to wear burgundy trousers and blazers, while female staff wore red jackets and skirts.
BOX OFFICE REVENUE EBBS. After a summer boom, domestic box office revenue last month plummets to a projected $328.7 million — worst showing for the month in a quarter of century, according to Comscore. Last time it was that low — excluding 2020, during the heart of the COVID-19 crisis — was in September, 1996, with $326.7 million.
JPMORGAN CHASE CLOSES SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES.
FOX RENEWS TMZ. Fox Television renews TMZ and TMZ Live through the 2024-25 TV season. Fox acquired TMZ from Warner Bros. in September 2021.
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