Rate-term refinances drove the modest increase in agency MBS issuance in November, especially at Fannie and Freddie. Ginnie production was down. (Includes two data charts.)
The 47.3% share for refinance business was the highest since the fourth quarter of 2016. Retail remained the largest source of both purchase and refi business, but correspondent platforms saw the biggest improvement from the second quarter. (Includes four data charts.)
TD Bank, State Street, Northern Trust and several other banks bucked the trend and increased their ABS investment during the third quarter. But the industry's total holdings fell 1.5% from June. (Includes two data charts.)