Mortgage applications jumped 1.2 percent from a week ago, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The group said falling mortgage rates are behind the uptick — and falling mortgage rates are due to a broader slowdown in wages and economic growth. 

"Purchase applications continued to be hampered by broader weakness in the housing market and declined slightly over the week, with the index slipping to its lowest level since 2014,” said Joel Kan, vice president and deputy chief economist at MBA. 

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell 16 basis points from 6.58 percent to 6.42 percent. 

There was also a notable bump in refinancing applications. Their share of mortgage activity increased to 30.7 percent from 30.3 percent a week ago, also on the back of falling mortgage interest rates. 

This is still down 80 percent from a year ago, when rock-bottom rates led to a spree of refinancing activity.

Share:
More In Business
Reddit’s IPO Hits the NYSE
As Reddit shares begin trading at the NYSE, ‘Einstein of Wall Street’ Peter Tuchman breaks down the social platform’s debut and what it means for the overall IPO market in 2024.
Reason to be Bullish After the Fed Decision
After the Fed forecast three cuts to come in 2024, Kevin D. Mahn, President and CIO at Hennion & Walsh Asset Management breaks down why the market looks strong, and he sees some reasons for concern in Reddit’s choice to IPO.
Load More