The industry’s most profitable mortgage-banking business during the fourth quarter was operated by Truist Bank. Meanwhile, TD Bank reported a huge $911.2 million loss related to the sale of mortgage loans. (Includes data table.)

Homebuilders with lending units continue to prop up home sales by offering mortgage buydowns. The tactic cuts into homebuilders’ margins but many company officials prefer lower margins rather than unsold inventory.

It might be said that Mr. Cooper has timed the servicing market perfectly. While other shops grow tired of the vicissitudes of interest rates and MSR marks, Mr. Cooper has pounced, gobbling up portfolios that have only grown in value as rates stay stubbornly high.