Core Insights - The US refinancing index has dropped to a three-month low, indicating a decline in refinancing activity in the housing market [1] - Mortgage rates are approaching 7%, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising by 6 basis points to 6.98% [1] - Despite a 2.7% increase in purchase applications, demand has cooled since early April when financing costs were at a six-month low [1] Group 1 - The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) refinancing index decreased by 7.1% to 634.1 as of the week ending May 23 [1] - The five-year adjustable mortgage rate has reached its highest level since January [1] - Ongoing affordability challenges are discouraging many potential buyers, prompting builders to take measures to attract homebuyers [1]