The Lede

CNBC, July 17, 2019--Diana OlickTotal mortgage application volume decreased 1.1% for the week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index, but it was 36% higher than a year ago, thanks to stronger refinance activity.

Bloomberg, July 17, 2019--Shelly HaganMore Americans are living mortgage free. About 37% of U.S. households are "free and clear," meaning they no longer have a home mortgage to pay, according to a Zillow data analysis.

Wall Street Journal, July 17, 2019--Rachel Louise Ensign (subscription)U.S. consumers propelled Bank of America Corp.'s profit in the latest quarter, though the bank warned it could take a hit from any Federal Reserve rate cuts. The Charlotte, N.C.-based bank, the second-largest in the U.S. by assets, posted a profit of $7.35 billion, an 8% increase from the $6.78 billion a year earlier.

American Banker, July 17, 2019--John Reosti (subscription)Opponents of a new standard for recording loan losses are pressing the Financial Accounting Standards Board to go beyond its decision to delay implementation for most lenders.

MarketWatch, July 17, 2019--Greg RobbBusiness contacts were generally positive through early July about the economic outlook for the coming months despite "widespread concerns about the possible negative impact of trade-related uncertainty," according to the "Beige Book" survey released by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday.

San Francisco Chronicle, July 17, 2019--Bob EgelkoThe state Supreme Court turned down arguments by two California governors Wednesday and left intact a ruling requiring the state to use $331 million, obtained from a nationwide bank settlement, to help homeowners who were victimized by foreclosures during the last recession.

Wall Street Journal, July 17, 2019--Laura Kusisto (subscription)Foreign purchases of U.S. homes have dropped by half over the past two years, a fresh blow to the top end of the market in New York City, Miami and cities in California.

National Mortgage News, July 17, 2019--Hannah Lang (subscription)A federal judge has dealt a blow to efforts by HUD to restrict nonprofit housing funds from offering down payment assistance.

HousingWire, July 17, 2019--Jessica GuerinAccording to the latest Housing Health Report from BuildFax, the volume of home maintenance projects declined 0.75% from last year while spend rose 6.68%.