Bankrate pegs benchmark 30-year loan at 4.18%.

Mortgage rates inched higher, rising for a seventh consecutive week, with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising to 4.18%, according to Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey released Thursday. The 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.21 discount and origination points.

The larger jumbo 30-year fixed inched to 4.18%, while the average 15-year fixed mortgage rate climbed upward to 3.42%. Adjustable mortgage rates were mostly unchanged, with the 5-year ARM remaining at 3.45% and the 7-year ARM holding steady at 3.69%.

Mortgage rates continue to climb, reaching the highest levels since July 2015. While the run-up in mortgage rates was driven largely by the expectation of government stimulus and more government borrowing with the new administration, the Federal Reserve’s upward estimate of economic growth and projection of three interest rate hikes in the new year are continuing to drive mortgage rates upward. Inflation will be another variable to keep an eye on as any upside surprises would force the hand of the Fed into raising interest rates even faster.

At the current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 4.18%, the monthly payment for a $200,000 loan is $975.70.

SURVEY RESULTS:

30-year fixed: 4.18% — up from 4.15% last week (avg. points: 0.21)
15-year fixed: 3.42% — up from 3.40% last week (avg. points: 0.19)
5/1 ARM: 3.45% — unchanged from 3.45% last week (avg. points: 0.30)

Bankrate’s national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in 10 top markets. For a full analysis of this week’s move in mortgage rates, go to http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-analysis-121416.aspx.