The mortgage industry largely supports changes to the loan-level price adjustment (LLPA) matrix but remains divided on priorities, with a full overhaul unlikely amid a potential stock offering of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Two weeks ago, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte said he had tasked Barry Habib — the MBS Highway […]
Mortgage industry backs LLPA changes but is divided over priorities Read More »
The odds that the Federal Reserve will cut benchmark interest rates again in December are still high — but not as high as they were before last week’s cut. As of Monday, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, 70% of interest rate traders are anticipating another 25-basis-point pullback after the Fed’s final meeting of
Another Fed rate cut to finish 2025? Not so fast Read More »
The inspector general position at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is currently vacant after the reported ouster of Joe Allen. Allen, who was appointed as acting inspector general in April 2025, also served as chief counsel for the Office of Inspector General (OIG). It remains unclear when he left the position or whether he continues
FHFA inspector general role vacant after reported ouster of Joe Allen Read More »
Mortgage industry experts are divided over the idea of allowing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to increase their purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) in order to reduce mortgage rates, a proposal recently suggested by trade groups. While the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) could create demand quickly amid a reduction in the Federal Reserve’s presence in the
Debate heats up around GSEs’ potentially larger role as MBS buyers Read More »
The Federal Reserve delivered a 25-basis-point cut to its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday, setting the target range at 3.75% to 4%. The move, which brings the federal funds rate to its lowest level in three years, comes amid a softening labor market and inflation pressures. Monetary policy watchers expect another cut in December, which
Fed rate cut could lower mortgage rates further Read More »
A growing number of economists believe that the Federal Reserve is close to announcing the end of its quantitative tightening (QT) program — a move that could have wide-reaching implications for the mortgage industry. Over the past few weeks, central bank officials have signaled they are prepared to wind down the policy aimed at shrinking
Fed prepares to pivot balance sheet, with potential ripple effects for mortgages Read More »
Trade groups representing community banks and home lenders are urging the Trump administration to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase mortgage-backed securities (MBS) to help bring down mortgage rates. The idea relies on amending the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements (PSPA) to enable the GSEs to purchase up to $300 billion of their own
Trade groups push plan to let GSEs buy MBS to ease mortgage rates Read More »
Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO Bob Broeksmit on Monday called 2025 a “historic year” for the trade group, highlighting major legislative and regulatory victories during his opening address Monday morning at the association’s Annual Convention and Expo in Las Vegas. Broeksmit shared with the audience that the MBA helped shape roughly 10% of all
MBA’s Bob Broeksmit celebrates legislative victories in 2025 Read More »
The Trump administration has hinted at declaring a national housing emergency. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent floated the idea, and President Trump confirmed it is under consideration. A “federal emergency” sounds dramatic and grabs headlines. But here’s the reality: declaring one might ease financing restraints for single-family buyers, say, by subsidizing closing costs, but can it
If there’s a national housing emergency, let’s be honest about what It really means Read More »
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is seeking public feedback on its proposed strategic plan for 2026–2030, the agency announced Wednesday. The document, described as “consistent with its statutory requirements and President Trump’s executive orders,” marks a sharp shift from the Biden-era plan. It introduces new priorities such as fraud detection and deregulation, while scaling
FHFA proposes 2026-2030 strategic plan, signaling shift under Trump administration Read More »