The jumbo share of first-lien originations increased from 16.4% in the first quarter of 2026 to 18.8% in the second quarter. Large banks and nonbanks are putting an emphasis on the products. (Includes three data tables.)

The Federal Reserve hiked the federal funds rate by 25 bps this week. The move was already baked into mortgage rates, which aren’t expected to climb much higher even if the Fed hikes rates twice more in the next 12 months.

The FHFA director’s predilection for conducting official business on X provides housing-finance advocates a unique opportunity to lobby him directly.

As originations remain subdued, warehouse lenders are focusing on market share. Chase, the top warehouse lender, reduced its footprint in the second quarter and some newer players are filling the void. (Includes data table.)

With Democrats expected to gain majority in the House, and their odds of Senate control improving, congressional oversight of federal agencies may increase next year.

Pennymac and Rocket are focused on developing scale and technology to drive down costs as originations are expected to remain muted due to the higher-for-longer interest rate environment.

The landmark housing bill is still a long way from impacting the actual housing market, according to experts.

Better Markets has alleged that a Federal Reserve board member interfered with the Basel III rulemaking process by secretly meeting with bank executives to influence their support for the proposals.

Retail originations increased by 10.5% on a quarterly basis in the second quarter of 2026. That pushed the channel’s share of total first-lien originations to 53.7%. (Includes six data tables.)

VantageScore 4.0 is now available to all Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac sellers. And FHFA Director Bill Pulte is pondering ending the tri-merge standard.