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Current Mortgage Refinance Rates: June 18, 2025 – Rates Drop

The average rate on a 30-year fixed refinance dropped to 6.86% today. For 15-year and 20-year fixed refinance mortgages, the average rates are 5.8% and 6.65% respectively.
At 6.86%, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage refinance rate is down 0.71% from last week. The APR for a 30-year fixed refinance loan is 6.89%.
A 30-year fixed mortgage refinance at 6.86% would cost $656 per month in principal and interest for every $100,000 borrowed.
The average rate for a 20-year fixed mortgage refinance is 6.65% with an APR of 6.69%, costing around $755 per month for every $100,000 borrowed.
For a 15-year fixed refinance mortgage, the average interest rate is 5.8% with an APR of 5.84%, costing $833 per month for every $100,000 borrowed.
Rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage refinances are at 7.15% and 6.41% respectively.
Refinance rates are typically slightly higher than mortgage rates, and differences can vary by program, such as FHA and VA refinances having potentially lower rates.
Factors like credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and loan type impact refinance eligibility and rates. Monitoring economic indicators can provide insights into the direction of mortgage rates.
Considering closing costs and break-even points is essential when refinancing to determine if it's financially beneficial in the long run.
Experts forecast mortgage rates to remain in the middle-to-high 6% range in the first half of 2025, suggesting minimal rate movement.

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Forbes

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Mortgage Rates Today: June 18, 2025 – 30-Year and 15-Year Rates Stand Still

Current average mortgage rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages are 6.79% and 5.79% respectively, with jumbo mortgages at 7.08%.
The average 30-year mortgage rate decreased from 6.86% to 6.79% this week, while the APR dropped from 6.89% to 6.82%.
Borrowers with a $100,000 30-year mortgage at 6.79% can expect to pay around $651 monthly and $135,245 in total interest.
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also saw a decline from 5.87% to 5.79%, with the APR down to 5.84%.
For a $100,000 15-year mortgage at 5.79%, borrowers may pay about $833 per month and $50,314 in total interest.
Rates on 30-year jumbo mortgages dropped to 7.08% from the previous week.
A $100,000 30-year jumbo mortgage at 7.08% will cost approximately $671 monthly and $141,883 in total interest.
Despite fluctuations, experts do not foresee significant drops in mortgage rates in the near future.
Various economic factors, U.S. Treasury bond yields, Federal Reserve decisions, and global events influence mortgage rate changes.
Predicting future rate drops remains challenging due to these multifaceted influences.
It is recommended to understand your budget using a mortgage calculator before house hunting.
Mortgage interest rates are influenced by uncontrollable factors, but borrowers can focus on improving credit scores and debt-to-income ratio to secure lower rates.
Different mortgage loan programs offer distinct advantages, catering to various borrower needs.

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HRKatha

287

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Psychological safety: the new superpower in winning the talent war

Rising attrition rates, especially among Gen Z and Millennial workers, are influenced by the absence of psychological safety in the workplace.
Psychological safety involves feeling safe to express opinions, make mistakes, and share feedback without fear of judgment.
Younger employees consider psychological safety essential in a workplace.
Today's workforce seeks purpose, autonomy, respect, and validation beyond just a paycheck.
Employees want to be trusted to do their job without micromanagement and to have their ideas heard and valued.
Failing to meet these needs leads to disengagement and high employee turnover.
Companies prioritizing psychological safety retain talent, foster innovation, and create thriving environments.
Psychologically safe employees are more innovative, collaborative, loyal, and resilient during challenges.
Fear-based leadership is declining, giving way to trust, empathy, and transparency in successful workplaces.
In today's workforce, people leave cultures, not just companies.
Psychological safety is a valuable investment for companies in retaining talent and fostering a positive work environment.
The article emphasizes the importance of psychological safety in workplaces to attract and retain talent.

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HRKatha

159

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Amazon to shrink corporate workforce amid rise of AI tools

Amazon plans to reduce its corporate workforce to focus more on generative artificial intelligence and AI-powered tools, emphasizing automation and efficiency.
The tech giant aims to shift towards smaller, agile teams supported by AI systems, leading to the obsolescence of many current roles and the emergence of new jobs in AI deployment and oversight.
The company expects a decrease in corporate headcount following previous layoffs, signaling more reductions driven by technology-induced transformation.
AI is increasingly replacing tasks traditionally handled by junior developers and operations staff in the tech industry, raising concerns about the availability of entry-level tech jobs.
Companies like Amazon view AI as essential for productivity, prompting employees to focus on adaptability, reskilling, and understanding AI tools to remain relevant.
Observers speculate that the rise of AI tools at Amazon could reshape white-collar work and potentially impact the employment landscape in the tech sector.
The shift in focus towards AI-driven operations is part of Amazon's strategy to stay competitive and leverage technology for long-term growth.
AI's evolution is driving companies to rethink traditional job roles, encouraging employees to embrace emerging technologies to thrive in a rapidly changing work environment.
Concerns persist regarding the scalability of AI tools in handling a significant portion of coding tasks and the implications for workforce dynamics.
The emphasize on AI deployment and oversight at Amazon signals a changing landscape where technological advancements play a pivotal role in defining the future of work.
As companies increasingly adopt AI technologies, employees are urged to enhance their skills, particularly in AI-related areas, to navigate the evolving job market.
The evolving work environment underscores the importance of continuous learning and upskilling to adapt to the demands of an AI-driven industry.
While AI brings efficiencies and automation, it also raises questions about job security and the need for workforce adaptation to remain competitive in the digital age.
The intersection of AI and corporate workforce decisions underscores the broader trend towards integrating technology to enhance operational effectiveness and drive innovation.
Amazon's strategic shift towards AI tools reflects a broader industry trend where companies leverage advanced technologies to optimize business processes and stay ahead in a competitive market.
The news highlights the growing impact of AI on corporate strategies and workforce dynamics, emphasizing the importance of technological literacy and adaptability in the modern workplace.

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Rockpapershotgun

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A rare and cursed Total War: Warhammer 3 item, bashier Blood Knights and a smaller file size are all here in the latest patch

Patch 6.2 for Total War: Warhammer 3 has been released, featuring a mix of substantial fixes and interesting additions.
The patch includes a 27% reduction in game file size, now at 82.16gb.
Magic items have been reworked to be rarer but more powerful, with new rare items like the Books Of Khorne that offer destructive capabilities.
The Chaos Dwarfs gain Hobgoblin Bolt Throwers, and the Vampire Counts receive Blood Knights with sword and shield.
2D portholes have been improved in the update.
New toggleable AI options have been introduced, including AI Strength & Threat Assessment and Minor Faction Potential settings.
The AI improvements include better threat assessment based on rival strength and increased hostility towards unknown factions.
Minor Faction Potential setting enhances minor factions' campaign decisions for a longer survival and greater impact.
The patch teases the upcoming Tides of Torment and hints at a third faction reveal with the return of the High Elves.

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HRKatha

301

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How entitlement is quietly reshaping the modern workplace

In corporate India, perks like flexible hours and elaborate amenities may have led to a workforce valuing presence over performance and tenure over achievement.
During the pandemic, lowered standards for praise and promotions created a culture of entitlement, blurring the link between effort and reward.
Entitlement has become a widespread issue, especially among younger employees, who expect recognition as a baseline and promotions as time-based entitlements.
Remote work has exacerbated entitlement, with employees valuing flexibility over visibility and missing out on mentorship opportunities.
Companies resort to elaborate perks to attract employees back, creating a cycle of entitlement that hampers productivity and innovation.
HR departments often yield to demands for equal treatment regardless of performance, leading to a culture of mediocrity and retention-at-all-costs mentality.
The solution lies in linking benefits to contribution, reinstating merit-based promotions, and implementing honest and frequent feedback systems.
Future workplaces should balance kindness with clarity, rewarding based on results and fostering accountability without sacrificing empathy.
The goal is to create resilient workplaces where recognition is earned, belonging is rooted in contribution, and excellence is encouraged without coddling.
The future of successful organizations lies in mastering a balance between care, challenge, support, and justifiable rewards.

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HRKatha

192

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‘Beware of third-party handlers’: EPFO to subscribers

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) advises its subscribers to be cautious of third-party handlers and to utilize the free online services available on its official platform.
EPFO emphasizes that subscribers can conduct accounts-related activities like submitting claims and updating KYC online (via UMANG app and EPFO portal) without third-party assistance.
Since April 2025, subscribers no longer need employer approval to link bank account details with the Universal Account Number (UAN).
Subscribers can now edit, correct, or update personal details on the EPFO website without verification by managers, saving time and effort.
EPFO enables subscribers to withdraw cash from their provident fund via ATMs, simplifying processes for convenience.
Employer approval is no longer mandatory for transfer claims, and there is no need to upload cheque leaf images or attested passbook copies for faster settlements.
EPFO cautions subscribers against unauthorized third-party agents who falsely claim to assist in paperwork and emphasizes reliance solely on official channels.

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HRKatha

8.7k

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Why are Genpact employees unhappy?

Genpact employees are unhappy due to the company's decision to increase work hours to ten per day.
The workforce and social media users have criticized the decision, with employees feeling anxious about putting in extra hours.
Despite hoping for a policy revision, Genpact seems determined to implement the longer work hours.
Experts and social media users feel the decision is not in line with employee wellbeing and could negatively impact productivity.
Employee productivity will be monitored with a daily tracking system, rewarding points for active hours, but the additional incentive for extra hours is seen as insufficient.
The lack of a significant pay hike alongside the increased hours makes the extra workload seem excessive to employees.
The decision to enforce 10-hour work days was communicated through managers rather than top leadership, raising employee concerns.
There has been no official announcement to employees, leading to worries about potential burnout and setting a precedent for other companies to follow suit.

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Pcgamer

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No wonder it took so long to rerelease Final Fantasy Tactics—the source code was lost: 'Keeping that kind of data wasn't a normal thing to do at the time'

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is getting a remastered version for PC and consoles, set to release on September 30.
The director Kazutoyo Maehiro revealed that recreating the game posed challenges as the original source code was lost over time.
The team had to rebuild Final Fantasy Tactics from scratch using existing versions and playing the original game to reconstruct it by feel alone.
The updated version will feature a new UI, full voice-acting, added dialogue by the original writer, autosaves, adjustable battle speed, and various other changes.
Players will have the option to experience the game in a classic mode with old school graphics and most changes revoked for a closer-to-original feel.
Director Maehiro emphasized the importance of offering both an enhanced version and a classic version to cater to different preferences among fans.

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Forbes

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Can You Combine Chase Points From The Sapphire Reserve For Business With The Sapphire Reserve Or Preferred?

Chase now allows combining points from the new Sapphire Reserve for Business card with the consumer Sapphire Reserve or Preferred cards.
The new business card earns points on various categories like travel, Lyft rides, flights, hotels, advertising, and more.
Points can be transferred to the Sapphire Reserve for Business for the Points Boost program, offering enhanced redemption values for select bookings.
Rewards from the Sapphire Reserve for Business can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.
Ultimate Rewards from both consumer and business cards can be pooled under one card for strategic redemptions.
Points can be combined between different Chase cards, both business and consumer, and with another household member.
Recommended card combinations include pairing the Sapphire Reserve for Business with cards like Chase Freedom Flex or Ink Business Cash for diverse earnings.
Chase's updated policy allows holding both the Sapphire Reserve for Business and the consumer Sapphire Reserve or Preferred cards simultaneously.
While pairing both Sapphire Reserve cards involves high annual fees, utilizing the offered credits can justify the cost.
Combining points strategically across cards enables efficient earning and redeeming, maximizing rewards benefits.
Individuals can leverage this flexibility to make the most of their expenses and travel plans.
Transferring points and utilizing different cards based on their strengths can lead to increased redemption value and travel perks.
The ability to merge points between business and consumer cards offers a powerful way to optimize reward accumulation and utilization.
Chase's move to allow combining points from various cards opens up new opportunities for enhancing rewards and travel experiences.
Managing points wisely and making informed decisions on card usage can amplify the benefits of Chase's Ultimate Rewards program.

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Forbes

359

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New Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits To Know About

Chase Sapphire Reserve card is undergoing a revamp with new perks and an increased annual fee of $550.
Big spenders who reach $75,000 in a calendar year can unlock additional benefits.
New earning rates for the card have been introduced.
The 50% bonus on travel bookings made through Chase Travel is being replaced with a Points Boost feature.
Only select flights and hotels booked through Chase Travel are eligible for Points Boost.
The annual fee for the Sapphire Reserve has increased by $245 to $550, and authorized user cards now cost $195.
New applicants will have access to the new benefits and increased annual fee, while existing card members will get these changes on October 26, 2025.
Existing card members' annual fee will increase on their next anniversary date after October 26.
Deciding if the revamped Sapphire Reserve is worth it involves analyzing your spending and travel plans.
Math and careful consideration of benefits can help determine if the new Chase Sapphire Reserve is a good fit for your wallet.

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TronWeekly

332

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Justin Sun’s Tron Inc. Plans to Go Public via SRM Merger

Tron Group, led by Justin Sun, plans to go public via a reverse merger with SRM Entertainment, rebranding as Tron Inc. and starting as a token-holding company with $210 million in TRX reserves.
The merger with SRM Entertainment includes a $100 million private investment that could increase to $210 million, with suspicions that Tron Group is the funding source behind the investment.
SRM Entertainment's shares surged over 300% post-announcement, reaching $6.70 in pre-market trading, demonstrating strong market interest in Tron's asset accumulation model and IPO plans.
Although Eric Trump was initially linked to Tron Inc., he denied any association; however, Justin Sun has increased his ties with Trump-affiliated projects, including investments in World Liberty Financial.
Dominari Securities facilitated the merger, leading to the rebranding of SRM Entertainment to Tron Inc., reflecting a shift towards blockchain and tokenized reserves.
Sun, facing an SEC civil fraud case on pause, continues his advisory role in the new company, with no settlement confirmation from regulators amidst ongoing investigations.

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Rockpapershotgun

328

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Honkai: Star Rail publishers sue player for $150,000 over streaming a character before release

HoYoverse, the publishers of Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero, are suing a player for $150,000 for streaming a new Honkai: Star Rail character before its release.
Alfredo Lopez broadcasted an early look at Castorice, a melancholy floral dragon summoner, to a Discord channel with around 12,000 members.
The lawsuit was filed on June 6th in the United States District Court's Central District of California as per a report from the Gamefile newsletter by Nicole Carpenter.
HoYoverse claims Lopez unfairly obtained a game update before its release and is more concerned about sharing footage of the character rather than how the game build was obtained.
They argue that leaks like this diminish the excitement players experience when the updates are officially released.
Castorice had already been revealed as an upcoming addition during the December Game Awards.
Honkai: Star Rail is a live service gacha game with about 70 characters at present.
The publishers may be sensitive due to the game's focus on microtransactions and the allure of randomly obtained characters.
HoYoverse has a reputation for pursuing leakers, although this stance is not unique in the industry.

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Rockpapershotgun

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Lego Fortnite is getting Expeditions, a Left 4 Dead-ish hero shooter mode that just looks a bit boring

Epic Games is introducing Lego Fortnite Expeditions, a wave-based game mode blending hero shooter and Left 4 Dead elements for the younger audience.
The mode's setting involves the Supernova Academy as a base and missions to stop the evil Mask Maker Daigo from destroying the world.
The storytelling in Lego Fortnite Expeditions is considered generic, lacking quality narratives for children.
Players face enemies in wave-based missions, explore maps, rescue Lego characters, and collect resources, money, and gear.
Different hero classes are available, offering unique abilities like flying around for reconnaissance and summoning crystals to damage enemies.
The mode may appeal to children aspiring to play shooter games like their older siblings but are too young for them.
Lego Fortnite Expeditions is set to launch on June 18th.

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Medium

243

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Choosing the Right CMS: How We Help Our Clients Decide

When a potential client arrives with a strong CMS preference, understanding the reasons behind it is crucial, such as familiarity, content migration concerns, or lack of exposure to other platforms.
Evaluation of CMS options starts early, considering both client's editorial and end users' needs to recommend the right strategy.
Factors like design requirements, editorial workflows, organizational structures, and technical considerations play significant roles in CMS evaluation.
Technical aspects like performance, scalability, developer community, and tech stack are also key considerations during CMS evaluation.
The evaluation process involves collaboration and a deep understanding of project needs and constraints to find a CMS that fits well.
Commonly used CMS platforms include Wagtail, Statamic, and Payload, each offering unique strengths in terms of flexibility and content management.
Wagtail is suitable for complex editorial sites, Statamic excels in admin experience for static content, while Payload offers high customization potential.
Each CMS platform has its pros and cons, with considerations like customizability, scalability, content modeling, and ease of use guiding their selection.
Choosing the right CMS can significantly impact editorial team efficiency and content quality, aligning with the client's vision and goals.
The goal is to implement a CMS that enhances the editorial experience, allowing teams to focus on creating exceptional content.

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