NATION

NATION

Nissan puts hold on alliance with Chrysler

NEW YORK — Nissan Motor Co. has halted preparations for a business alliance with Chrysler LLC under which the two automakers would build vehicles for each other, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported Thursday.

Under the planned deal unveiled last year, Nissan was to build small cars for Chrysler, and Chrysler was to build a pickup truck for the Japanese automaker under the Nissan name.

Kyodo, citing unnamed sources close to the deal, reported that Nissan is now reviewing the alliance, with terminating the tie-up an option.

30-year mortgage rates fall to 5.16% average

McLEAN, Va. — Rates on 30-year fixed mortgages fell this week, offering homeowners a chance to refinance their loans, Freddie Mac said Thursday.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped to 5.16 percent this week from 5.25 percent last week.

A year ago, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.72 percent.

The average rate this week on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was 4.81 percent, Freddie Mac said, down from 4.92 percent last week and 5.25 percent a year ago.

Associated Press