Homebuyer mortgage demand drops annually for the first time in over a year, as war fuels uncertainty

Mortgage demand declined on a year-over-year basis for the first time in over a year, according to CNBC, as geopolitical tensions linked to ongoing conflicts contribute to heightened economic uncertainty. The drop in homebuyer demand reflects a risk-off shift in consumer sentiment, transmitted through tighter financial conditions and elevated Treasury yields as investors seek safe-haven assets amid war-related supply chain and energy market concerns. This risk aversion has increased demand for defensive assets, benefiting sectors such as defense contractors and gold, while weighing on rate-sensitive real estate and equities with high duration risk. Traders are likely to focus on the upcoming CPI inflation report and Fed commentary to assess whether higher-for-longer interest rates will further suppress housing market activity.

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