FX.co ★ U.S. MBA Purchase Index Drops to 129.2, Signaling Softer Mortgage Demand

The U.S. MBA Purchase Index fell to 129.2, down from the previous reading of 139.3, according to data updated on 21 October 2026. The decline highlights a cooling in mortgage application activity for home purchases.

The lower index level suggests that fewer Americans are applying for purchase mortgages compared with the prior period, pointing to softer demand in the housing market. Market participants will be watching upcoming readings to see whether this drop marks the start of a broader weakening trend in housing-related borrowing or a short-term pullback in activity.