GSE pass-through holdings took a big hit in the third quarter, accounting for most of the top banks' decline in MBS investment. But bank trading accounts saw a sizable increase. (Includes two data tables.)
Mortgage industry trade groups continue to pressure the Biden administration to intervene in the MBS market to help struggling homebuyers overcome high interest rates and low supply.
HUD IG launches inquiry into Ginnie’s handling of Reverse Mortgage Funding’s bankruptcy; DBRS revises rating criteria for commercial MBS; WeWork exposure in commercial MBS; another record profit for Farmer Mac; ETF targets newer agency MBS.
Spreads on agency MBS widened during the third quarter, leading to a decline in values for agency MBS holdings. Still, investors stress that agency MBS is an attractive investment option.
Attendance at the ABS East conference hit a record this week even as industry participants are anticipating a recession. Parts of the ABS market are offering investors better returns than corporate debt.
Bank demand for agency MBS is weak, leading to wider spreads and losses on MBS holdings for some. Banks are also reducing their lending activity, providing an opening for nonbanks.
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.
Margin calls from repo lenders are always a risk when collateral values decline, which is why MBS holders, like REITs, are under watch. The yield on the 10-year Treasury is at a 16-year high — that’s the bad news. The good news: This may be the peak of the cycle.