If FHFA reduces the GSEs’ capital requirements, that would be a key signal that efforts are moving forward to end the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Industry watchers believe GSE reform is probably off the table until after the mid-term elections at least, as the administration’s focus has shifted to other priorities.

GAO auditors suggested FHFA update its procedures for how accounting personnel consider the impact significant policy changes may have on its financial reporting. FHFA declines, saying the current procedures are fine.

The trade group called for an all-of-government effort to solve the housing affordability crisis. That includes the GSEs.

The GSE beefed up requirements for smaller multifamily properties and inexperienced owners.

The Federal Home Loan Bank trade group supports President Trump’s executive order on improving access to mortgage credit.

Fannie Mae belatedly joined Freddie Mac in establishing ground rules for seller/servicers that deploy or manage artificial intelligence or machine learning tools while doing business with the enterprise.

Fannie Mae extended duration by shifting from short- to long-term debt, but allowed overall debt to grow. Freddie de-levered by cutting short-term debt without adding to long-term debt.

Since 2016, when the duty-to-serve rule compelled the GSEs to make it easier to buy homes in rural census tracts, home prices have remained mostly stable and rents have declined.

Servicers will now have some leeway in how they execute flex loan modifications.