Average weekly mortgage rates are below 6.2%, and they could drift even lower if the Federal Reserve keeps trimming its benchmark interest rate.

The government shutdown, which reached its 21st day on Tuesday, postponed the release of key inflation data. Mortgage rates dip.

Mortgage forecasts highlight where rates may be headed, why recent shifts have surprised buyers, and how to decide whether to purchase now or wait.

Australian households will have to wait until next year to get any further interest rate relief as the central bank makes the case for an interest rate hold.