MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES EASE FURTHER THIS WEEK

Mortgage rates retreated this week, marking the second week in a row they've headed lower. Interest rates began a sharp ascension in early November, and experts have warned that the trend is likely to continue. The recent change of pace was attributed to last Friday's jobs report, which was weaker than market forecasts. Freddie Mac says 30-year rates this week dropped to 4.71 percent while 15-year rates fell to 4.08 percent. Bankrate says the larger jumbo 30-year fixed rate edged down to 5.57 percent.