[US Mortgage Rates Rise for Fifth Straight Week] US mortgage rates have risen for the fifth consecutive week, dashing hopes for the upcoming key spring home-buying season. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.46%, the highest level since early September, up from 6.38% last week. The housing market is entering its usual peak season for transactions, but economic concerns may deter both buyers and sellers. The surge in energy prices caused by the Iran war has fueled inflation fears, while the development of artificial intelligence has raised employment uncertainty. For many Americans, homeownership remains unaffordable.