A 1.8 percent increase in U.S. applications last month helped lift the percent change of the overall Index to its highest level for a September ever. Year-over-year, North American applications were up 0.7 percent in the third quarter reflecting both September's U.S. upswing and strength in the Canadian market during July and August.

Year-to-date application activity is down 0.9 percent compared to the same nine months in 2008, posting its best level of the year. September showed an 8.9 percent gain in application volume over this past August.

The reports said that application activity in Canada was off minus 2.6 percent in September year-over-year, all ages combined. Growth was seen in the 45-59 and 60+ age groups up 2 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively while the 0-44 age group was off by negative 5.8 percent. Canadian third quarter results were up 3.1 percent versus the third quarter of 2008 reflecting a strong July and August. Year to date application activity in Canada was up 1.7 percent.