Home builder sentiment rose after months of stagnation, while the Fed’s Beige Book offers key insights policymakers may rely on as the shutdown delays other critical economic data.

Average mortgage rates are at their lowest levels in more than a year, which is already boosting refi activity and starting to bring buyers off the sidelines. Wouldn’t it be a treat if the September CPI report showed lower than expected inflation?

The MBS Highway National Housing Index was flat in October 2025 at 27. A year ago, the index was at 40. So far, our survey respondents are seeing a limited boost to transaction volumes from mortgage rates trending lower over the last three months.

The ongoing government shutdown is directly impacting the housing market and delaying crucial economic data the Federal Reserve was counting on ahead of its next policy meeting on October 29. Here’s what’s being affected, and why it matters.

MBS Highway is excited to announce our new Strike Rate tool, which was designed to help our subscribers capture more refinance opportunities that are sitting right in their pipeline – immediately as they become available.