Bank investment in agency MBS, especially Fannie/Freddie paper, continued to grow during the second quarter, though not quite as much as the overall market. (Includes two data charts.)

Late last month, inter-dealer brokers began using SOFR for dollar swaps, allowing ARRC to finally recommend use of Term SOFR. 

Analysts say dollar rolls and spec pools still provide an opportunity for investors in the agency MBS market.

Despite various penalties for early prepayments, FHFA believes multifamily MBS issued by Fannie and Freddie present risk for the FHLBanks. Fannie thinks otherwise.

In a bid to encourage socially responsible investing, Ginnie Mae has made its environmental, social and governance data available to MBS investors.

Fannie Mae is providing a monthly certification that its credit-risk sharing offerings comply with EU securitization requirements.

A dispute between Two Harbors and its former external manager will continue in court, with a focus on intellectual property. The REIT’s chief investment officer also abruptly left at the end of the second quarter.

FICC, which provides clearing services for most to-be-announced trades, says its existing margin methodologies failed to provide adequate credit protection during the market turmoil last spring.

REIT industry holdings of agency MBS have climbed 8% higher than they were when COVID forced many firms to shrink, but investment in non-agency MBS remains depressed. (Includes data chart.)