The National Association of Realtors reported its Pending Home Sales Index fell 7.3% from August and 11.3% from a year earlier to 66, roughly one-third below the 2001 benchmark of 100. Declines were seen in every region, led by the West (-9.2% monthly) and the South (-8.2%). According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose from 6.71% in early September to 7.40% by October 15, its highest in nearly three years. Redfin said the number of homes going under contract fell to its lowest level since spring 2014 (excluding April 2020), and nearly 20% of sellers cut asking prices in September. NAR's chief economist said mortgage rates may be nearing a peak, but higher energy prices and inflation remain uncertain.
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Related tickers and likely impact
SPY
▼ Likely negativeSPDR S&P 500 ETF
Relevance: medium
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/20/2026 | 769.01 |
| Change that session | +0.33% |
DXY
▲ Likely positiveRelevance: low
| Market | Currencies |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/20/2026 | 101.70 |
| Change that session | -0.28% |
XAU/USD
▼ Likely negativeRelevance: low
| Market | Gold |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/20/2026 | 4,125.21 |
| Change that session | -0.38% |
Impact is scored by AI from the headline and may be wrong. It is not investment advice.
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