Mortgage Index Lower Again - 2004-02-12
An index of mortgage applications declined for a third week, reflecting less home purchases and less refinancing, an industry group report showed.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's index dropped 6.8 percent, to 797.8, from 855.7 the week before. The home purchase applications measure fell 9.4 percent, to 402.2, from 444.

The association's index measuring applications to refinance homes fell 4.7 percent, to 3,099.1, from 3,250.6.
Read the full story at New York Times

Australia's Hardie net surges on U.S. housing boom - 2004-02-12
Australian building products company James Hardie Industries NV declared on Thursday its third-quarter net profit almost doubled, as robust U.S. housing demand continued to drive its mainstay fibre cement sales.

The housing market outlook in the United States, where mortgage rates are near historic lows, was positive, said Macdonald.
Read the full story at Reuters