17.12.202512:00:00UTC+00U.S. MBA Purchase Index Declines, Signaling Potential Cooling in Housing Market

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Purchase Index in the United States has shown a drop, declining from 181.6 to 176.5, according to the latest data available as of December 17, 2025. This decline could indicate a potential cooling in the U.S. housing market as the index fell by 5.1 points since the last update.

The MBA Purchase Index is a critical measure of the activity within the mortgage market, specifically focusing on the number of new home loan applications submitted. A decrease of this magnitude could reflect a variety of underlying economic factors, including interest rate fluctuations, changing housing prices, or broader economic uncertainty.

While the current decline doesn't conclusively point to a sustained downturn, it is a signal for economists and market watchers to continue monitoring housing demand closely. Shifts in the MBA Purchase Index often precede changes in market dynamics, impacting everything from real estate sales to construction activity and broader economic growth projections. As the housing market is a key component of the overall economy, such indicators are crucial for anticipating future trends.