MBA chief economist says mortgage rates, inflation will stay elevated through 2026
MBA’s Mike Fratantoni expects 2026 inflation near 4% and no Fed cuts, keeping mortgage rates and bond yields elevated.
Mike Fratantoni
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Mortgage applications fall 5% despite rate decline
Despite steady mortgage rates, market trends like a softening job market and elevated inventories continue to impact application volumes.
MBA forecasts $2.2T mortgage origination in 2026
Purchase originations are forecast to increase 7.7% to $1.46T next year and refinance originations are expected to increase 9.2% to $737B.
MBA opposes GSE merger, supports explicit government guarantee
In the debate over whether Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should merge, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has remained consistent: “We don’t think that would be a good idea,” chief economist Mike Fratantoni said.