US DATA: MBA refis +17.8% and the purchase index +5.1%, making the Mtg
Bankers Assoc market composite +13.2% adjusted in the week ended Feb
18. An MBA off’l said the Mideast turmoil brought lower rates through
safe-haven bidding, and with lower rates, more borrowers. The 4-wk
moving ave was +1.9%. The ave 30 yr mtg edged down to 5% even with
refis up to 65.7% of total apps, from the prv wk’s 64.0%. See the
survey summary on the MNI main wire.