While servicing for others among banks declined slightly in the fourth quarter, trends varied among the big boys. Top-ranked Wells continued to reduce its portfolio while second-ranked JPM was an active buyer of MSRs. (Includes data chart.)

The number of loans 30-59 days delinquent in agency MBS increased during the second half of 2021. Late payments increased on FHA mortgages along with GSE loans. (Includes data chart.)

The mortgage employment boom of 2020-2021 is drawing to a close. One ray of hope for the recently laid-off: the non-QM sector.

Among a group of 21 prominent banks that have reported earnings for the fourth quarter, nearly every institution took a hit on mortgage earnings. For many, originations declined along with margins.

Private mortgage insurers lost market share in the agency purchase market during the last quarter of 2021, while FHA production shifted toward riskier business.

Retail lending by depository institutions' mortgage-banking operations fell in the third quarter, but a major acquisition by one bank pushed other indicators higher.

There is some evidence that production was less efficient in the third quarter, but profitability was up anyway. Servicing income was clearly stronger. (Includes data chart.)

Call-report data show bank mortgage repurchases fell 9.4% in the third quarter. However, GSE buyback volume continued to climb. (Includes data chart.)

Mortgage banking income appeared to benefit from both rising gains on sale and stronger net servicing income. The top three banks reported lower earnings from mortgage banking.

Deliveries of retail-originated loans to agency MBS fell 16.3% in the third quarter, while wholesale-broker volume was down 9.2%. (Includes two data charts.)