The Fed has significantly stepped up purchases of agency MBS in recent months. However, the central bank's balance sheet shows no sign of an increase in MBS holdings, prompting some questions. Meanwhile, shoring up the repo market might be a factor.
Kevin Keyes, CEO of Annaly Capital Management since September 2015, abruptly parted ways with his employer without much in the way of explanation. The REIT’s shares continue to trade in a tight price range.
In another example of a REIT branching out, Starwood Property Trust has agreed to purchase a licensed lender/servicer. For now, all parties are mum but more deals may be afoot.
Ocwen Financial may have some MBS-related exposure, according to a new regulatory filing. Also, FHFA Director Mark Calabria opens up some more about the business practices of Fannie and Freddie.
The issue of fast prepays on VA IRRRLs refuses to die. Recently, VA mailed a warning letter to as many as 500 lenders. Inside MBS & ABS obtained a copy of the correspondence.
MBS and MSR investor New Residential signaled that it might engage in a large stock buyback program, but so far there’s been no activity. It’s possible political considerations might be a factor.
Three names are being kicked around to head Ginnie Mae, the government’s $2 trillion MBS guarantor: Robert Couch, Clinton Jones and Joe Murin. But is something else afoot?