Desperate times call for desperate measures. But, perhaps, having the GSEs create demand by purchasing (a lot) more of their own MBS in an effort to lower rates is a bridge too far.
Industry trade groups have sent letters to the Federal Reserve chair, asking for an end to its quantitative tightening and rate hikes in an effort to reduce mortgage rates and stimulate home sales.
Mortgage rates remain stubbornly high by modern standards with the spread between the 10-year Treasury and MBS showing no mercy. Is there any hope on the horizon for a reprieve? Probably not.
Ever since the Fed started its rate-hiking cycle, the spread between interest rates on loans in agency MBS and the 10-year Treasury rate has been elevated. Prepayment risk is to blame and there’s no easy fix.
Mortgage securitization rates remained at previous levels as new primary market production and MBS issuance grew at similar rates in the second quarter. (Includes data chart.)
Moody’s warned that a government shutdown could lead to a downgrade of its AAA rating for the U.S., Fannie and Freddie plan new social disclosures; DBRS proposes revisions to CLO rating criteria.
An unsecured debt offering by a mortgage REIT? That’s correct. PennyMac is on the board with a small note deal. Might this be a sign of things to come?