Mortgage rates in the U.S. were little changed as lenders absorbed news that the Federal Reserve plans to taper bond purchases that have helped support the real estate market.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.48 percent this week, up from 4.47 percent, according to a statement Thursday from Freddie Mac. The average 15-year rate climbed to 3.52 percent from 3.51 percent, the McLean, Va.-based mortgage-finance company said.