Average US rate on 30-year mortgage falls to 3.81 percent

WASHINGTON (AP) — Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates fell this week for a third straight week as global stock markets continued to be pounded by falling oil prices and worries over economic growth.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined to 3.81 percent from 3.92 percent a week earlier.