Freddie Mac is seeking approval to acquire second liens. The Structured Finance Association opposes the proposal, noting that non-agency outlets are providing sufficient liquidity for seconds.

Securitization of home equity loans increased again in the first quarter, driven by closed-end second liens. Issuance is growing exponentially, helped by nonbanks and investor demand. (Includes two data tables.)

Several factors will likely limit changes in prepayment activity in Ginnie MBS as the VA implements a new loss-mitigation program.

You thought rates would be falling by now, causing the MBS you own to spike in value. Right? It didn’t work out that way, but it might now. Advice: Bet on a rate cut from the Fed by the fall.

Uncertainty about interest rate cuts has led more auto ABS issuers to consider clean-up calls.

KBRA found that new multifamily construction could increase risks for MBS concentrated in certain cities.

The collapse of commercial real estate during the 2008 financial crisis wasn’t the result of poor underwriting by lenders, but due to a widespread misperception of risk, according to a new Fed paper.

Ginnie to increase reporting requirements on defaults, loss mitigation; Fitch prepares to rate commercial PACE securitizations; loans for hotels near Disney World head into commercial MBS; FHA extends waiver tied to Ginnie multifamily MBS.

Ginnie cautioned issuers that it monitors their portfolios to ensure they are meeting acceptable risk parameters, including those related to prepayment activity.

Better keeps losing a ton of money but continues selling millions of dollars in loans to Fannie Mae. The secret is in cash left in the cupboard.