Although fewer industry leaders in a May survey are prioritizing cost-cutting, those bosses said they'd focus on back-office staff over other expenses.

Borrowers also showed a higher tendency to tap into home equity, with related originations rising at the fastest rate in three years, Transunion said.

Billionaire Bill Ackman has linked the idea with President Trump's recent post depicting a near-term public offering for a single mortgage firm with U.S. ties.

Funds parked at a major Federal Reserve facility dropped to the lowest level in more than four years, putting in focus the amount of cash banks have sitting at the US central bank, a measure of liquidity conditions.

Real estate investor sentiment bounced back from two quarters of decline, but lingering fears around tariffs, interest rates still weigh on many buyers' minds