Mortgage rates were slightly higher this week, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increasing to 5.2 percent. According to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey, the average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.47 discount and origination points.

The average 15-year fixed rate mortgage inched higher to 4.75 percent, and the average jumbo 30-year fixed rate clocked in at 6.76 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were no exception, with the average 1-year ARM rising to 5.26 percent and the 5/1 ARM climbing to 5.27 percent.

After four straight weeks of declines in mortgage rates, the streak was broken. However, mortgage rates remain at levels not seen since the 1950s. Homeowners and home buyers are benefiting from the initiatives of the Federal Reserve to purchase mortgage debt and government securities in an effort to reduce borrowing costs and jumpstart the economy. Resurfacing economic pessimism amid corporate earnings could lead to a tug-of-war on mortgage rates, with the combination of increased government debt issuance and inundated mortgage lenders pulling rates in the opposite direction.

Mortgage rates remain at historic lows. Six months ago, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.2 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,224.94. With the average rate now one full percentage point lower at 5.2 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,098.22, a savings of more than $126 per month for a homeowner refinancing now.

SURVEY RESULTS

30-year fixed: 5.20% - up from 5.13% last week (avg. points: 0.47)

15-year fixed: 4.75% - up from 4.73% last week (avg. points: 0.47)

5/1 ARM: 5.27% - up from 5.23% last week (avg. points: 0.47)

Bankrate's national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.