Today, the U.S. Federal Reserve decided to undertake the third round of quantitative easing, ending market speculation. The QE3 could help stimulate the economy, as it’s aimed at reducing unemployment and boosting growth. The Fed announced, that it would buy $40 billion of mortgage-backed securities per month, in order to keep long-term interest rates at low levels and spur economic growth. The Federal Reserve expects that QE3 will put downward pressure on mortgage rates and support mortgage markets.

In other news, earlier this Thursday the Labor Department released figures on the weekly initial jobless claims. According to the latest report, jobless claims rose by 15,000 from the week prior and it’s standing at a seasonally adjusted 380,000.

Mortgage-finance company Freddie Mac reported today, that the national average rate on the 30-year fixed loan remained unchanged at 3.55%. As far as the 15-year fixed mortgage is concerned, the current rate is 2.85%, which is a tad lower compared to last week’s rate.

Looking at current mortgage rates, Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) is adverting the long-term, 30-year fixed mortgage at a rate of 3.750% plus an annual percentage rate of 3.925%. In case of the 15-year FRM, would-be borrowers will need to pay 2.875% in interest and an APR variable of 3.182%.

Home refinancing through the 30-year fixed FHA-insured mortgage is a possibility, and those who are considering this deal, will see Wells Fargo offering it today at a rate of 3.500% with an APR yielding to 4.551%.

Currently, the initial rate on Wells Fargo’s 5-year adjustable rate mortgage is 2.250% and it comes with an annual percentage rate of 3.072%. For those who prefer the flexibility of ARMs, this might be a suitable package.

Switching to TD Bank (NYSE:TD), the present interest rate on the standard 30-year fixed mortgage loan is 3.625% which is accompanied by an APR of 3.675%. The 15-year fixed loan may garner some interest from borrowers who are into refinancing, as it starts at 3.000% and results in an APR of 3.088%.

TD Bank’s other type of mortgage deals include the 7/1 ARM, which begins at 3.250% and bears an APR sum of 3.069%. The 5/1 version of this type of loan is available at a rate of 2.500% and an APR figure of 3.040%.

Branch Banking and Trust (NYSE:BBT) is also in the circle of lenders that have been offering mortgage loans at excellent rates lately. This Thursday sees the benchmark 30-year fixed refinance mortgage being offered at a rate of 3.875% and an APR of 3.972%. Actually, this is a lower rate compared to the one seen yesterday. With regards to the 15-year fixed loan, it can be locked in at a rate of 3.375% which has an APR variable of 3.492%.

The 30-year fixed FHA mortgage looks quite competitive at BB&T Bank, as the asking rate is 3.375% and carries an APR sum of 3.624% as of Thursday.