So far, performance of the multifamily businesses of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2021 resembles 2020. It’s not clear if these similarities will persist.
Due to COVID-related forbearances, Freddie faced a $2.2 billion increase in its provisions for losses in 2020. However, that expense was more than offset by an across the board increase in revenues.
Profits in the fourth quarter weren’t enough to offset losses incurred earlier in the year by Annaly and Two Harbors. Meanwhile, a REIT with a non-agency focus turned a profit.
Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Redwood Trust ramped up issuance of jumbo MBS in recent weeks, while other firms in the sector have still not fully recovered from COVID volatility.
Net interest income for the capital markets business came to a measly $522 million for the year. The segment posted actual losses from investments and other sources, producing just $25 million in net revenue.
In January, Fitch reported 28 newly delinquent hotel loans totaling $564 million. Retail loans were a distant second, with 18 newly delinquent loans worth a total of $268 million.