‘Modern Family,’ ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ ‘Saturday Night Live’ also recognized: Mad Men, the sharply observed drama of a changing 1960s America, captured 19 Emmy nominations today to lead the series pack, with the melodramatic miniseries Mildred Pierce, starring Kate Winslet, grabbing a standout 21 bids. Mad Men has a chance to repeat for a fourth consecutive year as best drama. Modern Family, last year’s top comedy series, was the most-nominated sitcom, with 17 bids. Other leading nominees include the Prohibition-era drama Boardwalk Empire with 18 nominations, Saturday Night Live with 16, and 13 bids each for the sex-and-swords fantasy Game of Thrones and the sitcom 30 Rock. The Emmy ceremony is scheduled to air on Fox on Sept. 18.
Low rates making little difference on the housing market: Fixed mortgage rates fell this week, and the rate on the 15-year loan dropped to its lowest point of the year. Freddie Mac says the average rate on the 30-year loan decreased to 4.51% from 4.6% a week ago. It reached its yearly low a month ago, at 4.49%. The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage, popular for refinancing, fell to 3.65% from 3.75%. Its previous low this year was 3.67%, reached three weeks ago. Rates typically track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. Yields fell sharply last week after dismal jobs data pushed investors into the safety of government bonds. Low mortgage rates and depressed home values have done little to revive the struggling housing market.
