Should you lock a mortgage rate before the next inflation report is released?

MoneyWatch: Managing Your Money Should you lock a mortgage rate before the next inflation report is released? We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Matt Richardson Matt Richardson Sr. Managing Editor, Managing Your Money Matt Richardson is the senior managing editor for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com. He writes and edits content about personal finance ranging from savings to investing to insurance. Read Full Bio Matt Richardson May 7, 2026 / 3:06 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google A mortgage interest rate lock could have multiple advantages for borrowers now. Olga Yastremska/Getty Images When it comes to finding a low mortgage interest rate, timing plays a critical role. Unfortunately, as many borrowers have seen in recent months, the timing lately hasn't been very beneficial. Thanks to a combination of overseas conflicts, pronounced market uncertainty and a subsequent surge in inflation, mortgage interest rates have noticeably increased. And that's all taken place even with the Federal Reserve holding interest rates in place throughout 2026. Against this backdrop, homebuyers and owners hoping to refinance will need to be more strategic than usual in their approach. And that could mean timing a mortgage rate lock to circumvent any additional rate hikes still to come. With the next inflation reading from the Bureau of Labor Statistics set for a May 12 release, some may be contemplating the benefit of locking a mortgage rate before that date. But is that really the smart move to make, or should borrowers delay taking action? Below, we'll break down what to consider now.Start by comparing your current mortgage rate offers online here.Should you lock a mortgage rate before the next inflation report is released?Locking in a mortgage rate isn't alwa...