The key factor for TBA investors is prepayment speeds. A quick scan of the FHFA data show that the conditional prepayment rates for UMBS issued by Fannie and those issued by Freddie have remained comparable since the launch of the single security in June.
The difference between the weighted average coupon on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac MBS soared to an average of 10 basis points in January, with Fannie pools showing consistently higher spreads. According to a report by Wells Fargo Securities last month, the wide gap may be because Fannie is offering sweeter guarantee-fee buy-up/buy-down deals to some issuers.
Production of new non-agency MBS fell sharply in the fourth quarter, ending a year that still set a post-crisis record for new issuance. [Includes three data charts.]
After having initially been brushed off as unnecessary, a pilot program that allowed Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to help finance single-family rental activity is now being hailed a success.
Seasonal factors slowed production of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac MBS during the fourth quarter, although the refi sector showed some resilience in cash-out transactions. [Includes three data charts.]
Residential mortgage securitization rates edged higher in the third quarter of 2018 but remained below the peak levels set in the aftermath of the financial crisis. [Includes one data chart.]
With many consumers shopping at brick-and-mortar stores this holiday season, mortgages on department stores and shopping malls that are included in commercial MBS will likely see good performance in the end of 2018, said DBRS. [Includes one data chart.]
This week, Ginnie Mae issued an all-participants memo dictating new standards for firms seeking to become issuers, including the stipulation that applicants submit to a corporate credit evaluation. Ginnie said the financial exercise will be “similar to those employed by credit rating agencies.” The evaluation will determine whether an applicant is qualified to be an issuer or whether additional criteria should be imposed even if the basic standards are met. Applicants that rely on a subservicer arrangement will be scrutinized even more. The bulletin also notes that, effective immediately, the agency is implementing new notification requirements for MBS issuers engaged in “certain subservicer advance or servicing income agreements, which do not require prior Ginnie Mae approval, but can impact an issuer’s ongoing liquidity position and financial obligations.” While Ginnie currently permits subservicers to advance ...
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