The rounding of home prices in HMDA data complicates the calculation of whether loans below the conforming loan limits are more likely to be securitized into agency MBS in areas affected by climate change.
Numerous industry participants support FHFA developing a social bond designation for single-family MBS issuance from the GSEs. There are lingering concerns about the impact on the agency MBS market and borrower privacy.
FHFA is looking to reduce capital requirements for the GSEs’ issuance of commingled securities. Some are happy with the agency’s plan, while others argue that no capital requirements are necessary.
In a new book, James Lockhart, FHFA’s first director, outlines the events leading up to the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. More than a decade later, the events and debates are still relevant.
The MBS held by two failed banks will soon hit the market; specified pool trades hit record level in March; Fannie increases disclosures on multifamily MBS; LIBOR to live on in synthetic form.
Second-level GSE MBS issuance involving excess spread from servicing increased in 2022. Private-equity firms and real estate investment trusts are among the investors buying excess servicing.