FX.co ★ U.S. MBA Mortgage Applications Plunge to 14.1% as Markets React to Economic Shifts

In a substantial decline, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported that the U.S. mortgage applications have fallen to 14.1%, down from a previous mark of 28.5%. This sharp decrease, updated as of January 21, 2026, reflects a significant downturn in week-over-week mortgage activity.

Observers note this dramatic drop as a striking shift from the previous week's data, which had already been decreasing. The current week's figures represent an onerous challenge for the housing market, with economic analysts frequently citing changes in interest rates and broader market conditions as primary influencers.

As the housing market continues to respond to dynamic economic factors, this latest data offers a sobering view of the challenges ahead for potential homebuyers grappling with rising costs and inflationary pressures. Stakeholders in the mortgage and housing sectors will be closely monitoring forthcoming weeks to assess whether this trend stabilizes or persists, signaling a potentially prolonged period of market adjustment.