Black Knight Financial Services reported on Monday that cash -evels seen in 2005. Despite the big drop off in refinancing, Black Knight said that "borrowers have been capitalizing on the increased equity available to them." Black Knight went on to say that low mortgage rates have also been a factor in refinancing activity.The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said on Monday that the service sector of the U.S. economy expanded at a slower pace than expected in September, which be partly due to slowing economies overseas. The ISM Service Index (non-manufacturing) fell to 56.9 in September, down from the 59 recorded in August and below the 58 expected. A reading above 50% indicates the non-manufacturing sector of the economy is generally expanding; below 50% indicates the non-manufacturing sector is generally contracting. The report covers restaurants, bars, builders, bankers, hotels and other service providers.On the lighter side, U.S. consumers are expected to rack up nearly $7 billion in sales this coming Halloween. The National Retail Federation reports that consumers are expected to spend on goods ranging from ghosts to goblins to Batman and Superman along with decorations and candy. However, spending is expected to be lower with average spending coming out to $74.34 a person, down from $77.52 last year. Many consumers are expected to spend at discount stores, while 17% of Americans say they will purchase their Halloween paraphernalia online.Jesse Stroup California Mortgage Professional www.CaliforniaHomeLoanLender.comwww.JesseStroup.comNMLS# 6229Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. NMLS # 930622 | NMLS # 6229