Private mortgage insurance companies are raising premiums on a targeted basis, in part so they can better manage risk in an increasingly volatile economy.

Purchase-mortgage business with primary mortgage insurance held up well in the second quarter while refi activity dropped, according to an analysis of agency MBS issuance. (Includes two data charts.)

The slowing pace of delinquencies helped mitigate the impact of a reduction in new private mortgage insurance policies written as mortgage originations slowed.

Private mortgage insurers, who compete with the FHA to a certain extent, applauded the agency’s “disciplined approach” to premium pricing and policies.

Shares of Enact Holdings began trading on the Nasdaq this week, surging more than 7% on Day 1.

The growth gap between private mortgage insurers and insurance-in-force at FHA widened in the second quarter, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods said in a new report.

Former Freddie Mae CEO Don Layton suggests short- and long-term solutions for the liquidity problems faced by nonbank mortgage servicers.

Industry advocates point out that, unlike other forms of credit-risk transfer, private mortgage insurance stands in front of all other losses.

The percentage of private mortgage insurance sales tied to the GSEs’ low-downpayment programs dropped from 20% in July to 12% in December, with industry players pinning the fall on lower income thresholds.

After much anticipation from the mortgage insurance industry, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac released their updated requirements that private MIs must meet to be eligible to provide mortgage insurance on GSE loans.