US economy grows a sluggish 1.5% in second quarterThe U.S. economy expanded at a sluggish 1.5% pace from April through June as rising imports weighed on growth. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.66% from 6.58% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the average rate was 6.72%. Americans confidence in the US economy stallsAmericans’ confidence in the economy fell this month as gas prices ticked up along with the fighting between the U.S. and Iran. Consumer attitudes had improved modestly in June as gas prices came down to around $3.70 a gallon.