Agency MBS investors are looking forward to the Fed cutting interest rates twice this year. However, they warned that something unexpected could prevent the Fed from cutting rates in September.
Two large REIT investors in agency MBS incurred losses in the second quarter, due to interest rate volatility and an unaccommodating monetary policy stance. Still, they are optimistic about the future.
Cherry Hill plans to drop its external manager, consider additional strategic options; FHFA publishes historical VantageScore data; Computershare, NewRez receive master servicer ratings; commercial MBS from Morgan Stanley downgraded.
When interest rates decline, the prepayment environment for agency MBS is likely to be much different compared with previous refinance booms, according to industry participants.
If Freddie Mac is allowed to purchase second mortgages, critics argue there should be clearly articulated capital requirements, loan-to-value ratio limits and debt-to-income ratio restrictions.
The decline was driven by conventional-conforming mortgages and government-insured mortgages. The securitization rate for non-agency mortgages actually jumped in the first quarter. (Includes data table.)
JPMorgan Chase and several other large bank holding companies boosted their holdings of agency MBS in trading accounts during the first quarter. (Includes two data tables.)
Ginnie offers new multiclass aggregation options; Fannie increases social bond disclosure; Annaly touts ESG efforts; new nonprofit advocates for greater parity for women in mortgage capital markets.