The refinance market is showing signs of life — especially in the government-insured sector — and total agency MBS issuance in the first quarter was up from a year ago. (Includes two data tables.)

Earnings from both originations and servicing took another hit in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The industry’s aggregate trading-account portfolio, which is measured in fair value, has been growing since the start of 2022.

Most lender buybacks are linked to mortgage-backed securities issued within the past two years.

As the historic mortgage boom fades into the past, buyback claims from the GSEs have declined. The biggest downturn has been at Freddie. (Includes three data tables.)

With barely any refinance activity, the seasonal housing slowdown showed overcapacity in production platforms that squashed profitability. (Includes data table.)

Bank holding companies reported a solid 5.0% increase in agency MBS held in trading accounts during the fourth quarter. But non-agency MBS and non-mortgage ABS holdings were down. (Includes two data tables.)

Most major investor categories increased their holdings of MBS during the fourth quarter, while the Fed continues to let its holdings slowly run off.

Banks, thrifts and credit unions ended the year with $3.551 trillion of unsecuritized home loans on their books, a gain of 0.8% from the third quarter.

NAR's settlement essentially eliminates the requirement for home sellers to pay a fee to the homebuyer's real estate agent.