Driven by near-year-high interest rates and a lack of borrower incentive, a broadening slowdown in MBA mortgage applications is being led by a sharp, government-borrower-led decline in refinance activity that could ultimately drag monthly gross MBS issuance below $100 billion by the end of the year. Robbie interviews FirstClose’s Adam Nicholson on how faster cycle times directly impact pull-through and funded volume. And driven by persistent supply, geopolitical tensions, and an upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield breached 5 percent for the first time since 2023, threatening economic growth and equity markets by independently tightening financial conditions.

This week’s podcasts are sponsored by FirstClose. FirstClose helps lenders accelerate home equity originations with faster property decisioning, streamlined workflows, and a digital borrower experience from application to closing. FirstClose is the only end-to-end digital HELOC and HEL solution built specifically for home equity lending. Learn more at: https://hubs.ly/Q04tLGXh0

Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.