The Lede

Mortgage applications for new home purchases decreased by 6% in August from July, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Builder Application Survey.

There's a big reason to believe that the U.S. economy will be able to withstand the start of the Fed tightening cycle: There's still plenty of pent up activity in the housing sector.

Mortgage rates were little changed ahead of the Federal Reserve's key rate decision next week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.

Prices for imported goods fell in August, posting their largest drop since January, a sign that the strong dollar and ongoing weakness in oil prices are keeping inflation at bay. Import prices fell 1.8% in August, the Labor Department said Thursday.

The U.S. labor market appeared to gain momentum in early September as fewer Americans filed for weekly unemployment benefits, but weak inflation pressures may complicate the Federal Reserve's decision whether to raise interest rates.

The Mortgage Banjers Association launched a set of guidelines to educate consumers, lenders and their business partners about the new Know Before You Owe or TILE-RESPA Integrated Disclosure regulations that go into effect on October 3.