Using HMDA data, an academic researcher shows that the guarantee fees charged by the GSEs are above-market rate based on risk-adjusted profits.

Mortgage loan acquisitions by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac accelerated in April, driven in part by a jump in refinance lending. (Includes two data tables.)

Share among megabanks and large nonbanks grew as overall deliveries to the GSEs faltered in the first quarter. (Includes two data tables.)

Smaller shops may support an end to the GSE conservatorships, but only if it’s done in a way that preserves pricing parity, avoids additional charters and maintains the cash window.

FHFA’s ban on the GSEs’ use of special purpose credit programs doesn’t appear to apply to HomeReady or Home Possible, neither of which has a racial or ethnic requirement.

Former Fannie and Freddie CEOs question the durability and utility of the uniform MBS in a post-conservatorship mortgage market.

Executives from Annaly and Two Harbors worry that ending the conservatorships of the GSEs could fundamentally change the buyer base for their mortgage-backed securities.

Would exiting conservatorship expose Fannie and Freddie to more or less risk from political meddling?

Rejiggering the Rube Goldberg machine of housing finance will require careful thought and timing. Unless Trump does it with an executive order.

Fair Isaac Corp. CEO William Lansing asserted that FICO is the best tool for assessing credit risk, and he doesn’t see that changing whether the government is more or less involved in the GSEs.