Kroll saw a 21.9% increase in non-agency MBS ratings from the third to the fourth quarter, as well as the smallest decline (3.7%) in ABS rating volume. (Includes two data tables.)

Private MIs reported another strong quarter in financial results even though their share of insured first-lien originations slid to its lowest point since 2020. (Includes four data tables.)

Among 27 publicly owned banks, 20 saw income fall in the fourth quarter, and five recorded losses for the period.

Some of Fannie’s lopsided growth may reflect that it took a bigger hit in December...

Declining MSR valuations created problems for bank mortgage operations in the fourth quarter, along with a slowdown in loan originations and sales. (Includes data table.)

Agency-eligible production accounted for 87.1% of first-lien originations in the fourth quarter, up from 81.1% a year ago.

Rate-term refinances still account for a relatively small share of total agency MBS production, but volume jumped 22% from December to January. Many top sellers shifted more of their business to Fannie. (Includes two data tables.)

A few top lenders managed to gain share in primary market originations of agency-eligible loans during the fourth quarter. But product totals were down across the board. (Includes two data tables.)

One positive: Financing for retail properties and hotels actually saw gains in the fourth quarter.

A big chunk of the nonbank gains came through secondary-market acquisitions.