MBA Mortgage Applications Increase 4.5%
The MBA Mortgage Applications Survey tracks new home mortgage applications and resembles a current indicator for the U.S. housing market. The Survey increased 4.5% versus the prior week. This is essentially bullish for the U.S. housing market.
MBA Mortgage Applications measures the change in the number of new applications for mortgages backed by the MBA during the reported week. The current reading for this week shows the number of applications increased by 4.5%, compared to last week. This is inherently favorable for the housing market and the complimentary industries.
Last week, the number of mortgage applications decreased by 4.1% versus the prior week.
An increase in mortgages implies a healthy housing market, and because of the multiplier effect, housing has an impact on the rest of the economy. Increases in mortgage applications suggest increased household income and in turn an economic expansion.
However, the Survey does not continually shake up the markets, as applications are very volatile, a look at a 4-week trend could shed some light on the U.S. economy.
The Mortgage Bankers Association [MBA] is the national association representing the real estate finance industry which compiles this information.
Bullish:
Traders who believe that a beat in Pending Home Sales is positive for the economy, you might want to consider the following trades:
- Long building companies like PulteGroup (NYSE: PHM) because more houses being sold increases demand in more homes and as a result means more demand for home builders.
- Long companies like Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE: LPX), who manufacture and distribute products and materials for home construction.
Traders who believe that the Survey is a leading for the general housing market, you may consider alternative positions:
- Short building companies like KB Home (NYSE: KBH) because fewer mortgage application and home sales in turn means less demand for housing and home-builders.
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