NATION

NATION

Online program details car’s history for consumer

NEW YORK — The Department of Justice said an online program that will allow consumers to track a vehicle’s detailed history, including whether it was stolen or spent time in a scrap heap, will go live today.

The department said the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System will be accessible to consumers for a fee through third-party Web sites. The system — called NMVTIS — is designed to help law enforcement and consumers track a vehicle’s brand history, odometer data and other background to prevent fraud and keep stolen vehicles off the road.

The department said it has lined up commercial Web sites through which consumers can access NMVTIS data for a fee, but will not disclose them until today.

30-year mortgage rate drops to 5.10% average

McLEAN, Va. — Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down this week, but remained above 5 percent, Freddie Mac reported Thursday.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage dipped to 5.10 percent this week from 5.12 percent last week. At this time last year, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.68 percent.

This week, the average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was unchanged at 4.8 percent. The comparable rate a year ago was 5.17 percent.

Associated Press