Catherine Koh

Catherine Koh is an economist at NAHB with the Forecasting and Analysis Department where she analyzes housing-related data and trends to produce industry forecasts and analysis. She has worked at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank prior to joining NAHB and focuses on economic and financial research. She has published an IMF Working Paper on migration as well as several IEO background papers. She holds a master’s in applied economics from Johns Hopkins University.

Refinancing Continues to Drive Mortgage Activity in March

The Market Composite Index, which measures mortgage loan application volume based on the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly survey, rose 14.0% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis, driven primarily by a surge in refinancing activity. Year-over-year, the index is up 29.2% compared to March 2024. The Purchase Index rebounded 8.3% (SA) from the previous…

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Mortgage Rates Ease Slightly in February Amid Economic Uncertainty

Mortgage rates declined marginally in February, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage falling to 6.84%. After climbing steadily since December and peaking at 7.04% in mid-January, rates have been trending downward. According to Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased 12 basis points (bps) from January, while the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage…

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Mortgage Applications Increase Marginally in January

The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) weekly survey, increased by 3.1% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis, primarily driven by purchasing activity. Compared to January last year, the index is higher by 3.4%. The Market Composite Index which includes the Purchase and Refinance…

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