Interest rates

While lower rates have piqued borrower interest, most are waiting for some key events to pass before buying or refinancing, originators said.

Lower interest rates could bolster loan demand, credit quality and securities portfolios. But they could also curb lending profitability faster than they ease deposit costs, crimping net interest margins and eating into near-term profits.

Nearly 56,000 home-purchase agreements were voided in June with the underlying cause likely affordability, a Redfin report claims.

The Federal Reserve held firm on its current interest rate levels after its latest meeting, but inflation numbers are leading to talk of potential action in third and fourth quarters.

Rate locks have increased every month this year, but May's pace came in more subdued than early-year numbers, according to Mortgage Capital Trading.

The Federal Open Market Committee held the federal funds rate at current levels, citing "lack of further progress" toward meeting inflation goals.

Banks and other financial market participants have been keyed into the central bank's communications around monetary policy expectations. But in an unpredictable economy, the guidance doesn't always hit the mark.

Citigroup's earnings topped analysts' estimates as corporations tapped markets for financing and consumers leaned on credit cards.