FHA gained share in the primary MI market during the second quarter, although private MI remained the dominant form of credit coverage. Enact MI maintained a narrow lead in year-to-date new insurance written. (Includes four data charts.)

In the purchase loans securitized by the agencies in the second quarter, the biggest gain was in GSE loans with no primary MI coverage. (Includes three data charts.)

Both purchase-mortgage lending and refinancing were down substantially in the first quarter, but a number of lenders gained share — or even increased production volume — compared with the prior period. (Includes four data charts.)

Originations of first-lien home loans with some form of primary mortgage insurance declined 15% during the first quarter, a less severe downturn than the overall market recorded. Private MIs got the most benefit. (Includes four data charts.)

Volume was down across the board for insured mortgages, but PMIs saw a modest gain in market share in first-quarter agency MBS issuance. (Includes three data charts.)

HUD’s decision to reinstate its 2013 “discriminatory effects standard” could revive an old lawsuit brought against the agency by two trade groups.

The bipartisan Middle-Class Mortgage Insurance Premium Act was reintroduced in the House last week by Reps. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, and Jimmy Panetta, D-CA.

The change affects new loans endorsed on or after March 20. The last MIP cut occurred in early 2015, when FHA trimmed premiums by 50 bps for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages.

Despite a downward spiral in new business and losing share to FHA, private MIs continued to report support strong earnings in the fourth quarter. Delinquency trends are edging up. (Includes three data charts.)

Upfront fees will decline for most low-income borrowers, but will increase for some middle-income homebuyers. The result is more cross-subsidy for the GSEs’ mission-based activities.