"As a result, mortgage applications ground to a halt, dropping to the lowest level since 1996."
Just two years ago, when rates were setting multiple record lows, refinance demand made up roughly three-quarters of all mortgage applications.
The ARMs made up 8% of purchase applications, up from 6.7% about a month ago, when interest rates were slightly lower.
ARM's offer lower rates but are fixed for a shorter term, usually five or 10 years.
Investors are responding to better-than-expected economic data, which could push the Federal Reserve to be more aggressive in its higher interest rate policy.
Persons:
Joel Kan, Refinances, Kan
Organizations:
Mortgage, Federal Reserve