Production of first-lien residential mortgages increased by 17.3% during the fourth quarter of 2025. Refinances soared while purchase-mortgage activity declined as part of a seasonal trend. (Includes two data tables.)
In mid-December, MBA was projecting interest rates would hold at 6.4% throughout 2026. However, MBA now anticipates the average rate will be 6.1% in the first quarter and hold at that level through the year.
Nearly 60% of the mortgage finance loans outstanding from Texas Capital Bank are in enhanced structures that carry lower capital requirements for the bank.
"What we’re looking for is greater insight into what actions they may take," said Peter Federico, president, CEO and chief investment officer of AGNC Investment.
Better added that it expects to achieve profitability by September, with the performance measured on an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization basis.
“Agency MBS was the best performing domestic fixed-income asset class in the fourth quarter,” said Peter Federico, president, CEO and chief investment officer of AGNC.