FHFA to Explore How to Sell GSE Credit Risk; Market Watchers Praise Attempt, Doubt Results
September 23, 2011
While it will be nice if it materializes, MBS market watchers are taking a wait-and-see posture to the Federal Housing Finance Agencys professed intention to explore new and alternative methods of sharing Fannie Mae and Freddie Macs credit risk with the private sector. In a speech early this week, FHFA Acting Director Edward DeMarco outlined efforts his agency is taking to ramp up private market discipline while reducing Fannies and Freddies risk to taxpayers. The FHFA will be considering a number of alternatives, such as expanded use of mortgage insurance and securities structures that allow for...