The value of agency MBS declined sharply following the start of the war with Iran. More recently, volatility has declined, prompting some major agency MBS investors to see continued promise in the assets.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac appear to be buying more MBS at times when spreads widen. They’re also hedging the purchases with interest rate swaps, according to industry participants.
The comment period on a concept release from the SEC to revise disclosure requirements on MBS and ABS closed in December. Since then, SEC officials have held a number of meetings with industry groups.
The Treasury Market Practices Group released a white paper identifying how a change in the ownership structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could impact the broader financial markets.