Activity Eases as Fixed Rates Fall More downward movement in mortgage rates -- which were already at record lows -- wasn't enough to lift the Mortech-Mortgage Daily Mortgage Market Index higher.

ARM Indices Abate
Four indices for adjustable-rate mortgages -- including the cost of funds index -- fell last month, and one was lower this month.

Wholesale Conditions Better, But U/W Still Tough
A wholesale lending "renaissance" is on, according to one executive. And improving rates have forced at least one wholesale lender to increase minimum lock periods to 45 days. Meanwhile, wholesale lender underwriting overlays are a troubling trend for third-party originators.

More Improvement in Mortgage Market
Mortgage rates fell to fresh record lows, and mortgage activity continued higher this week.

4 Weeks of Rising Mortgage Activity It was a small increase but an increase all the same. It was also the fourth consecutive week that the Mortech-MortgageDaily.com Mortgage Market Index was higher. Purchase activity was up and rates were down.

Mortgage Rates Poised for New Lows
Mortgage rates could fall to new lows as the Dow Jones Industrial Average briefly traded below the 10,000 mark.

Record Low Rates Have Further to Fall
Fixed mortgage rates -- which are already at the lowest levels on record -- are still falling, according to one market indicator. And while low interest rates have yet to attract more homebuyers to the market, an increase in traffic has been noted with existing borrowers who are seizing upon a rare refinance opportunity. Meanwhile, over the next year, a growing share of borrowers are projected to choose loans with variable rates.

3rd Straight Week of Increased Mortgage Activity It was the third straight week that the Mortech-MortgageDaily.com Mortgage Market Index has improved. Rates continued lower, the refinance share rose and the jumbo spread was trimmed.

15-Year Refi Wave
Tempted by fixed mortgage rates less than 4 percent, a growing share of borrowers are refinancing into 15-year loans.