With Freddie finally increasing its STACR issuance in the first quarter, the GSEs’ slump in CRT activity could be abating. Older deals continue to be retired in a steady stream of tender offers by the enterprises. (Includes data table.)
In a ruling last week, the Third Circuit didn’t seem to agree with a district court that Commerzbank is contractually barred from bringing claims against trusts for agreements with no-action clauses.
Lenders continue to make bulk purchases to offset runoff in their portfolios and make up for anemic originations. However, demand for MSRs could be near a peak, according to industry analysts.
Mortgage deliveries to the mortgage-backed securities platforms of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rose in April, but credit trends suggest these were seasonal increases rather than a start of a new trend. (Includes two data tables.)
Even though Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac maintained healthy profits in a tough market in the first quarter, their capital shortfalls under the ERCF remained absurdly high. (Includes data table.)
Although some non-agency players may see Freddie’s plan to purchase closed-end seconds as competition, many lenders see a way to create more liquidity in the sector.