Foreign covered bonds that target U.S. investors are increasingly coming to market. The latest deal from NordLB will access U.S. investors via the 144A market but issuers have recently explored other options.

Portuguese household incomes would feel the strain of a proposed hike in income tax, which would in turn have a knock-on effect on arrears and default levels in the RMBS transactions, according to an Oct. 5, Fitch Ratings report .

Prepayment speeds slowed less than expected in September . For example, 30-year FNMAs and GNMAs were projected to decline 11-12% with a four day lower day count a major factor; however, speeds slowed just 9% on FNMAs and 6% on GNMAs.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is seeking public input on its white paper regarding a proposed framework for a common securitization platform and a model Pooling and Servicing Agreement.

Multifamily mortgage origination volume increased 60% in 2011 over 2010, with $110 billion in loans produced, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Credit card delinquencies fell to 2.93% in the second quarter, the lowest level since 2001, according to the American Bankers Association.

Ally Bank is marketing a $680mln auto dealer floorplan securitization from its master trust.

Freddie Mac reported 30-year fixed mortgage rates fell four basis points to a new record low of 3.36% with an average 0.6 point in the week ending October 4.

The State Board of Regents of the State of Utah will issue a $518.7 million, taxable student loan-backed securitization.

NewOak has appointed Donald McGuire as Chief Operating Officer and head of investment banking.

The merger between T-Mobile with MetroPCS Communications is a modest credit positive for collateralized loan obligations, In terms of CLO exposure, S&P reported that MetroPCS is in 331 deals and is the 26th ranked obligor.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney sharply criticized President Barrack Obama’s failure to finalize a “qualified mortgage” rule, which has stifled the housing market.