Geopolitical events halfway around the world are affecting interest rate moves in the U.S. It’s possible that mortgage rates could move lower in the immediate weeks ahead. Otherwise, the crystal ball looks cloudy.

Mike Calhoun touts turning the GSEs into public utilities and using the government’s stake in them to address the homeownership gap.

Ginnie Mae is looking for ways in which smaller and less well-capitalized entities can access its securitization platform.

MBS trading resumed at a measured pace in January, but for now uncertainty rules the roost. The FOMC meets next month. Strap in that seat belt.

Still some milk left in the EBO cow? As Jay Bray of Mr. Cooper put it: “With forbearance programs winding down, the EBO opportunity is rapidly diminishing.”

The GSEs combined netted $7.93 billion in fourth-quarter profits on $13.21 billion in net revenue while shrinking their retained mortgage portfolios by $4.45 billion. (Includes data chart.)

Annaly Capital Management’s net income declined by nearly 20% from the third to the fourth quarter and AGNC Investment took a loss as agency MBS values fluctuated due to actions by the Federal Reserve.

An advisory group of traders and dealers counsels Treasury on what the runoff means for its auction schedule.

Borrowers with loans in various types of MBS and ABS could be stretched as interest rates increase, according to industry analysts. Prepayment rates are also likely to slow.

Prices paid for scratch-and-dent loans are favorable these days, favorable for sellers, that is.