FHFA Stress Test Reveals GSEs May Need $190B in Future Assistance
May 2, 2014
New GSE stress test results released by the Federal Housing Finance Agency this week reveal what many in the industry have been talking about for the past year: Because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not allowed to build capital, they would be forced to tap Uncle Sam once again for cash assistance should a financial calamity strike the nation. If a severe recession hits, Fannie and Freddie would need Treasury draws ranging from $84.4 billion to $190 billion, depending on the treatment of deferred tax assets, according to new calculations made by the GSEs and the FHFA. Adjustments to DTAs have allowed the two to book huge earnings the past year, but those accounting adjustments are now running out.
The regulator said in an amicus brief Wednesday that home equity investments can be considered credit and subject to Truth in Lending Act requirements.
“We’re still not at the level of profitability where we should be in home lending, just given as we continue to wind down that servicing book,” said Charlie Scharf, CEO of Wells.
Mortgage-banking revenue was off due to lower originations and hedges tied to MSRs.
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