Average mortgage rates surged to around 7% last month, but they've dropped recently, with markets betting that the Federal Reserve will reduce the federal funds rate on Dec. 18.

Inflation data appear to have cemented the market’s view of a quarter-point rate cut next week, but beyond that they have provided little clarity. Traders now see a 99% chance of a cut on Dec.18, up from 71% a week ago,

Gold gained on Wednesday after an inflation print came in line with expectations, boosting the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate cut next week, while investors awaited U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) data for further direction on monetary policy.