FHFA Director Bill Pulte's news that the GSEs are ramping up acquisitions of agency MBS comes well ahead of usual notice of acquisition activity.

Mortgage originations through banks’ retail channel increased by 17.2% from the first quarter to the second. Mortgage sale activity was also up, by 6.7%. (Includes two data tables.)

Jumbos accounted for 18.8% of originations in the second quarter of 2026, the highest share for the products since late 2022.

The planned $309.7 million prime non-agency MBS from Verus Mortgage Capital differs in a number of ways from its expanded-credit MBS issuance.

The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased by 19 basis points this week, to 6.95% as of Thursday, according to Freddie Mac.

Commercial banks and savings institutions increased their holdings of ABS by 16.0% on an annual basis as of the end of June. The portfolios hit a level last seen in early 2024. (Includes two data tables.)

“Longer-term rates, including mortgage rates, had already baked in the expectation of hikes at this and future meetings,” said Mike Fratantoni, a senior vice president and chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Home sales held firm on a quarterly basis in Lennar’s fiscal third quarter while the homebuilder’s income declined by 6.9%.

Foreclosure filings increased by 1% on a monthly basis in August, according to Attom.

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.)