Time to throw away the loss-mitigation toolbox in dealing with COVID-related delinquencies? Maybe not.

The Washington rumor mill is spitting out names for the FHA and Ginnie Mae jobs. Will any turn into actual nominations?

A greater concentration of refinances in the primary market led to a sharp drop in the private MI share of new primary insurance business. And the FHA actually posted a bigger gain in refi endorsements than the VA. (Includes three data charts.)

Has market sentiment spread to the MI sector? Genworth Financial scuttles (for now) IPO of mortgage insurance division.

The seasonal housing market slowdown had a bigger impact on private MI business in the first quarter. New restrictions on Fannie/Freddie acquisitions of purchase loans with layered credit risk may hit the private MI sector the hardest. (Includes three data charts.)

The VA home loan program surged past the FHA in new business in 2020. Thanks to its rapid-refi option, the VA also took market share away from private MIs. (Includes three data charts.)

Since President Biden’s inauguration last week, speculation has risen that the FHA might trim its annual insurance premiums.

Private mortgage insurance accounted for over half of insured loans sold the agencies last year, while the VA overtook the FHA as the top government-insurance program. (Includes three data charts.)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals participants are eligible for government-insured loans, Joe Biden’s FHA declared.