WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. rose for the second week in a row to its highest level since mid-July, reflecting a recent jump in the bond yields that lenders use as a guide to price home loans.

The rate rose to 6.85% from 6.72% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage is now the highest it has been since the week of July 11, when it was at 6.89%. It dipped as low as 6.08% in September — a two-year low — and as high as 7.22% in May.

Most economists forecast the average 30-year mortgage rate to remain above 6% next year, with some including an upper range as high as 6.8%. That range would be largely in line with where rates have hovered this year. — Associated Press