MBS backed by home equity loans originated by nonbanks was the fastest-growing sector of the non-agency market in the first quarter. Both prime and ECM issuance continue to grow as well. (Includes three data tables.)

The Fed shifted its efforts to aggregate scattered MBS into second-level securitizations to its Freddie Mac portfolio. Ginnie's Platinum program didn't get a lot of use last year, but the agency led the way in REMIC issuance. (Includes two data tables.)

Bargains are to be had in the multifamily loan sector as long as you can find a willing seller that’s trying to clean up its books. One such sale involved HomeStreet Bank in the Pacific Northwest.