United States MBA Mortgage Applications

Info

History

Chart

Impact:

Low

Source: Mortgage Bankers Association of America

Latest Release:

Date:

Actual:

9.4%

Forecast:

Previous/Revision:

2.7%

Period: Jul/04

Next Release:

Date:

Period: Jul/11

What Does It Measure?

The MBA Mortgage Applications index measures the weekly change in the number of mortgage loan applications submitted by U.S. borrowers, providing insight into housing market activity and consumer demand. It specifically focuses on the volume of applications for both refinancing and home purchases, serving as a leading indicator of the health of the housing sector.

Frequency

This index is released weekly, typically on Wednesdays, and presents preliminary estimates based on the applications submitted during the previous week.

Why Do Traders Care?

Traders monitor the MBA Mortgage Applications index closely as it can indicate trends in the housing market and broader economic conditions, influencing key financial markets such as currencies and equities. A rise in applications is generally seen as bullish, signaling increased consumer confidence and potential growth in the housing sector, while declining applications might be perceived as bearish.

What Is It Derived From?

The index is derived from a survey conducted by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), which collects data from a substantial sample of mortgage lenders across the United States. Data is compiled using a diffusion index approach, providing a weighted measure of the total number of applications relative to the previous week.

Description

The MBA Mortgage Applications index is a key economic event that provides insights into the demand for mortgage loans, which can indicate trends in the real estate market and consumer spending. It captures both purchase and refinancing applications, highlighting shifts in homeowner behavior and economic sentiment among consumers.

Additional Notes

This index is considered a leading economic indicator as it precedes changes in actual home sales and other housing-related metrics. Its fluctuations may also correlate with broader trends in interest rates, consumer confidence, and economic conditions, making it relevant not only in the domestic context but also reflecting global economic principles.

Bullish or Bearish for Currency and Stocks

Higher than expected: Bullish for USD, Bullish for Stocks. Lower than expected: Bearish for USD, Bearish for Stocks.

Legend

High Potential Impact
This event has a strong potential to move markets significantly. If the 'Actual' value differs enough from the forecast or if the 'Previous' value is significantly revised, it signals new information that markets may rapidly adjust to.

Medium Potential Impact
This event may cause moderate market movement, especially if the 'Actual' deviates from the forecast or there's a notable revision to the 'Previous' value.

Low Potential Impact
This event is unlikely to affect market pricing unless there's an unexpected surprise or a major revision to prior data.

Surprise - Currency May Strengthen
Actual deviated from Forecast on a medium or high impact event and historically could strengthen the currency.

Surprise - Currency May Weaken
Actual deviated from Forcast on a medium or high impact event and historically could weaken the currency.

Big Surprise - Currency More Likely To Strengthen
'Actual' deviated from 'Forecast' more than 75% of historical deviations on a medium or high impact event and may likely strengthen the currency.

Big Surprise - Currency More Likely To Weaken
'Actual' deviated from 'Forecast' more than 75% of historical deviations on a medium or high impact event and may likely weaken the currency

Green Number	Better than forecast for the currency (or previous revise better)
Red Number	Worse than forecast for the currency (or previous revise better)
Hawkish	Supports higher interest rates to fight inflation, strengthening the currency but weighing on stocks.
Dovish	Favors lower rates to boost growth, weakening the currency but lifting stocks.

Date	Time	Actual	Forecast	Previous	Surprise
Jul 09, 2025		9.4%		2.7%
Jul 02, 2025		2.7%		1.1%