FX.co ★ U.S. MBA Purchase Index Slips to 149.7, Signaling Softer Mortgage Demand

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Purchase Index in the United States declined to 149.7, down from the previous reading of 157.1, according to data updated on 25 February 2026. The latest figure points to a cooling in mortgage purchase activity compared with the prior period.

This retreat in the index suggests fewer Americans are applying for home purchase loans, a signal closely watched by markets for insight into housing demand and broader consumer confidence. While the data alone does not confirm a trend, the drop from 157.1 to 149.7 highlights a modest softening in the pace of mortgage-driven homebuying activity in the U.S. housing market.