Trump administration ‘in no rush’ to do Fannie, Freddie IPO this year

Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer and Cory Booker have asked federal regluator to pause any efforts to reprivatize Fannie and Freddie and study potential impact on mortgage rates. Continue reading

Dems seek answers on impact of Fannie, Freddie IPO on rates

Survey shows most Americans are also concerned that privatizing the mortgage giants might lead to higher mortgage rates, although Democrats and independents are more likely to be worried than Republicans. Continue reading

Trump vs. Fed, Taylor Swift, your referral blueprint: Inman’s Top 5

Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers. Continue reading

Why Trump’s moves to control Fed could send mortgage rates higher

If bond market investors get cold feet about buying government debt and mortgage-backed securities, that could push long-term interest rates higher, even if the Fed cuts short-term rates. Continue reading

Fed governor sues Trump over ‘unprecedented and illegal’ firing

Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook filed a lawsuit against President Trump on Thursday alleging that his attempted firing of her was illegal without him showing “cause” for her termination. Continue reading

Rocket, Mr. Cooper merger OK’d by Fannie and Freddie regulator

A green light from the Federal Housing Finance Agency and antitrust regulators sets the stage for a Sept. 3 vote by Mr. Cooper shareholders on $9.4 billion mega merger. Continue reading

US home prices see modest annual gains, but lag behind inflation

The S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Index reported home price gains of 1.9 percent while the FHFA reported nationwide home price gains of 2.9 percent. Inflation sits at 2.7 percent, which still leaves consumers in a sticky situation. Continue reading

Trump says he has ousted Fed governor, defying precedent

Trump has attempted to remove Lisa Cook from the rate-setting board over allegations made by the head of FHFA. Cook has denied wrongdoing and said she would continue serving on the board. Continue reading

Small lenders oppose combining Fannie, Freddie into single entity

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should continue to operate as separate companies rather than merged into a single entity, and be regulated like utilities with a cap on excessive fees and prohibitions on backing risky loans. That’s the perspective of a… Continue reading

Pulte dismisses claims he is ‘weaponizing’ mortgage fraud

A “Wall Street Journal” editorial calls Pulte’s criminal referral of Federal Reserve governor “an ominous turn in political lawfare” and warns that “weaponizing” Fannie and Freddie’s federal regulator “won’t build confidence in America’s institutions o… Continue reading