Average fixed mortgages were little changed from the previous week amid light economic data releases, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly market survey.

Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist for Freddie Mac, pointed to the decline in unemployment and an increase in outstanding mortgages as bright spots.

"Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 203,000 in November and the unemployment rate declined to 7 percent. Also, single-family mortgage debt outstanding increased for the first time since 2008," Nothaft said in a statement. "This is a positive sign as it reflects that the pick-up in new purchase-money originations has offset loan paydowns and led to a net increase in principal outstanding."

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.42 percent for the week ending December 12, down from last week when it averaged 4.46 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year fixed averaged 3.32 percent. 

The 15-year fixed this week averaged 3.43 percent, down from last week when it averaged 3.47 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year fixed averaged 2.66 percent. 

The 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.94 percent this week, down from last week when it averaged 2.99 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 2.70 percent.