Bank holding companies reported a solid 5.0% increase in agency MBS held in trading accounts during the fourth quarter. But non-agency MBS and non-mortgage ABS holdings were down. (Includes two data tables.)
The securitization rate for residential mortgages increased each quarter in 2023. Though on an annual basis, the rate was steady. (Includes data table.)
The Fed could start cutting rates in June, according to projections by industry analysts. The Fed is also moving toward slowing the runoff of its holdings of Treasury securities and MBS.
Banks are reducing their appetite for mortgages, providing opportunities for nonbanks to boost their investment in the mortgage market. Redwood Trust looks to be leading the way in terms of bank partnerships.
Officials from the secondary mortgage market believe innovations in products, policy and technology can support lenders and borrowers through a difficult housing market.
Hope springs eternal for a revival in Ginnie Mae early buyout activity this year. Two missing ingredients: a steeper decline in mortgage rates and an end to the VA moratorium on foreclosures.
Santander Consumer USA is a long-time issuer of auto ABS, but its affiliated Santander Bank only started originating auto loans in recent years. And to this point, the bank has issued only CRT with auto loans.
The Structured Finance Association, which is developing a compliance tool to facilitate uniformity in the non-agency MBS market on QM standards, has run into a vexing issue regarding the definition of a QM.