February marked the fifth month in a row when agency MBS issuance topped $300 billion. Although purchase-mortgage business fell significantly, refi remained strong. (Includes two data charts.)

The Federal Reserve wants to continue buying agency MBS at its current pace, which should keep rates and spreads down for the foreseeable future.

Fannie and Freddie both grew their portfolios of whole loans targeted for the securitization process while reducing the amount of their own MBS holdings. (Includes data chart.)