MBA Purchase Index
A weekly indicator of U.S. mortgage applications for home purchases.
Full explanation
The MBA Purchase Index tracks weekly applications for mortgages used to buy homes in the United States. It is part of the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey and is reported as a change from the previous week, with seasonally adjusted and unadjusted measures. Unlike the refinance index, it focuses on prospective home purchases, making it a timely gauge of mortgage-financed housing demand.
Why traders watch it
Traders use it as a high-frequency read on U.S. housing demand and household sensitivity to mortgage rates. It can add context for expectations about consumer activity, residential investment and interest-rate conditions.
Stronger vs weaker outcomes
A stronger-than-expected reading may indicate firmer mortgage-financed homebuying demand, while a weaker reading may indicate softer demand or greater pressure from financing costs. Its market relevance depends on whether the move is sustained and consistent with mortgage-rate developments and other housing data.
Typical volatility
Moderate. Weekly mortgage applications can be volatile, affected by holidays, seasonal adjustment, mortgage-rate changes and survey coverage. Applications are not the same as completed home sales, and the series may not reflect cash purchases.
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