Mortgage rates in the United States didn’t have much movement in the first part of the week, however, we have seen a slight shift away from record-lows. The good news is that yesterday rates have improved again, giving more incentives to potential borrowers to take advantage of current mortgage loans.

Today’s domestic economic data includes the weekly initial jobless claims. According to the Labor Department’s latest report, fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits in the week ended August 4. The current figures show that jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 361,000 last week, indicating a modest improvement in the job market. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had forecasted an increase to 370,000.

Mortgage-buyer, Freddie Mac released the results of its weekly mortgage survey today, which revealed that the average rate on the 30-year fixed rate loan rose to 3.59%, which is 4 basis points higher than last week’s 3.55% rate. The 15-year fixed rate mortgage followed the same trend, as it climbed to 2.84%, according to Freddie Mac. Mortgage rates are increasing for two consecutive weeks now, following a long streak of declines.

Mortgage interest rates remained nearly unchanged at Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) on Thursday. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage is currently being advertised at a rate of 3.750% and yields to an annual percentage rate of 3.925%. Borrowers looking to clear their balances over 15 years through Wells Fargo’s 15-year FRM, can expect to pay 2.875% in interest plus an APR sum of 3.182%.

Other potential borrowers, who are considering to take their chances on the 30-year fixed FHA-insured mortgage, will see that it demands 3.375% in interest and comes with an APR variable of 4.410%.

Apart from fixed rate loans, Wells Fargo offers the 5-year ARM at a rate of 2.375% and an APR figure of 3.115%, which is slightly higher compared to rates seen in the beginning of the week.

With regards to current refinance mortgage rates at Citibank (NYSE:C), there were no major changes this Thursday. The daily low on the 30-year FRM is 3.875% and bears an annual percentage rate of 4.050%. The 15-year fixed rate packages carries a similar value, which could be appealing to many, as it begins at 3.125% and it’s accompanied by an APR figure of 3.429%.

Those who head over to Branch Banking and Trust (NYSE:BBT) to check out the current mortgage rates, will see the standard 30-year fixed refinance loan standing at 3.875% and an APR of 3.941%. The opening rate for the 15-year fixed rate deal is 3.375% and bears an APR sum of 3.510%. For your reference, last week this type of loan was quoted by BB&T Bank at a rate of 3.250% and an annual percentage of 3.421%.

The FHA type 30-year fixed loan looks competitive at BB&T Bank, with the starting rate hovering around 3.625% and an APR of 3.835% as of Thursday.

For more information on current mortgage rates, and terms and conditions, please head over to lenders’ websites.