Mortgage Applications Fall 5.3% Even as the 30-Year Rate Eases to 7.41%
Mortgage applications fell 5.3% in the week ending Oct. 16, 2026, even though the 30-year fixed rate eased to 7.41%, MBA data show.
Key facts
- MBA's weekly survey showed a 5.3% drop in applications for the week that ended Oct. 16, 2026.
- The average 30-year fixed contract rate on conforming loans fell to 7.41% from 7.5%.
- Purchase applications fell 7% from the prior week and were 18% below the same week a year earlier.
- The Xactus Mortgage Intent Index fell 5.65% week over week to 96.9.
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Read the original at HousingWire (opens in a new tab)
Source: Mortgage applications drop 5.3% despite rate decline — HousingWire, October 21, 2026. Summary and commentary by RISE Community; read the full story at the source.
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