The expanded-credit market got back on its feet in 2021 after being knocked down by the coronavirus. Originations were close to pre-pandemic levels and Angel Oak expects its production to double this year. (Includes data chart.)
Firms active in nonprime servicing increased their portfolios by 7.5% on an annual basis in 2021. Servicers also are turning to loan modifications as forbearance plans end. (Includes data chart.)
While delinquencies on non-QMs spiked in the early days of the pandemic, many of those borrowers returned to making payments or cured their debt without the loan holders suffering large losses.
Aggregation of non-agency mortgages isn’t generating the types of returns seen in 2021, but it’s still a good business, according to officials at MFA Financial.
AG Mortgage Investment Trust acquired $2.5 billion of non-agency loans last year, about half of them during the fourth quarter. The REIT is targeting returns of around 15% from non-agency MBS issuance.
Western Asset Mortgage Capital took a third consecutive loss during the October-December period as it works to shift its investment focus to non-QMs and other non-agency products.