U.S. Mortgage Applications Rise 3.4% as Rates Decline

Mortgage applications in the U.S. increased by 3.4 percent from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending October 23, 2026. This rise was observed as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate decreased to 7.37 percent, marking its lowest level in three weeks and offering some relief to borrowers. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index also saw a 4 percent increase.