iShares Mortgage Real Estate ETF

Mortgage applications surged 11% last week as buyers rushed to take advantage of slightly lower interest rates ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy decision. The jump signals a resurgence in housing market activity amid mixed economic signals.

Related tickers: BRT, DLR, DLRpJ, DLRpK, DLRpL, ELS, HR, PSA, PSApF, PSApG, PSApH, PSApI, PSApJ, PSApK, PSApL, PSApM, PSApN, PSApO, PSApP, PSApQ, PSApR, PSApS, SPG, SPGpJ, REM, XLRE.

Starwood Capital, an affiliate of Starwood Property Trust, has acquired a portfolio of 11 master-planned communities in Texas from Hines for $800 million. The portfolio includes over 16,000 residential lots and 600 acres of commercial land across Dallas, Houston, and Austin. However, Starwood Property Trust's stock was trading lower on Friday.

Related tickers: STWD, REM.