Refinance Boom Hits as Rates Tumble on Policy News

Mortgage demand jumped 28.5% for the week, with refinance applications up 40% (128% year over year) and purchase applications up 16% (13% YoY) as the average 30-year fixed rate for conforming loans fell to 6.18% from 6.25% (0.56 points). The spike followed late-week rate drops linked to White House remarks about the government buying MBS, though-rate movement started the new week higher again, aided by CPI data showing inflation in check.