U.S. AVERAGE MORTGAGE RATES EASE; 30YEAR LOAN AT 4.83 PERCENT

Longterm U.S. mortgage rates declined this week, in a quiet pause after weeks of market anxiety over rising interest rates.

Home borrowing rates still remain at their highest levels in more than seven years, dampening the outlook for prospective homebuyers. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the rate on 30year, fixedrate mortgages eased to an average of 4.83 percent this week from 4.86 percent last week. A year ago, it stood at 3.94 percent.

The average rate on 15year, fixedrate loans slipped to 4.23 percent this week from 4.29 percent last week.

Anxiety over rising interest rates, which result from strength in the economy, has buffeted financial markets in recent weeks and spilled over into the housing market.

U.S. FACtoriEs grEw morE slowly in OCtoBEr.

WASHINGTON» American manufacturers grew at a slower pace in October as factories contended with supply disruptions caused by disputes with China, Europe and other trading partners.

The Institute for Supply Management, an association of purchasing managers, said Thursday that its manufacturing index slipped to 57.7 last month — down from 59.8 in September and the lowest since April. It was the second straight monthly drop.

Still, anything above 50 signals growth, and manufacturers are enjoying a 26month winning streak.

New orders, production, export orders and hiring grew more slowly. Thirteen of 18 manufacturing industries reported growth last month, led by textile mills and makers of electrical equipment.

U.S. ConstruCtion spEnDing FlAt in SEptEmBEr.

WASHINGTON» Spending on U.S. construction projects was essentially unchanged in September, the weakest showing since June, as an increase in home construction was offset by a slide in spending on government projects.

The Commerce Department said Thursday the flat reading for September followed a 0.8 percent rise in August.

The strength last month was driven by a 0.6 percent increase in residential construction and a smaller 0.1 percent increase in nonresidential activity, which pushed this category to an alltime high. However, these gains were offset by a 0.9 percent drop in spending on government projects.

CriminAl proBE opEns into FunDing oF U.K. proBrExit CAmpAign.

LONDON» Great Britain’s National Crime Agency is investigating a main financial backer of the campaign to get the U.K. out of the European Union over suspected illegal funding during the country’s EU membership referendum, authorities said Thursday.

The Electoral Commission said wealthy British businessman Arron Banks, his group Leave.EU “and other associated companies and individuals” are under criminal investigation. The inquiry concerns 8 million pounds ($10.3 million U.S.) reportedly loaned by Banks and his companies to a proBrexit group, Better for the Country.

The commission said it suspects Banks “was not the true source” of the money and concealed its real origins.