Freddie Mac expects mortgage refinancing to pump $170 billion into the economy in 2006, down from the $244 billion in 2005.
Homeowners continue to use mortgage refinancing to cash out their home equity. In the first quarter of 2006, 44% of all Freddie Mac mortgages were refinanced loans, down slightly from 45% in the fourth quarter of 2005.
"While more of the borrowers who refinance will be looking to cash out home equity this year," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac chief economist, "we expect many fewer refinancings in 2006 and slower home-price appreciation relative to last year."