Mortgage originations will fall to their lowest level in five years in 2012, according to the latest forecast by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

Moody's Investors Service has updated its structured finance CDO methodology. These deals' ratings consider the credit assessments of non-Moody's rated assets that are inferred from the ratings given by other rating agencies.

Freddie Mac released the results of its 1Q12 refinance analysis. The study showed that homeowners who refinance are still strengthening their fiscal position.

An executive at Redwood Trust — the only active Jumbo MBS issuer out there — said the firm has been able to expand its business despite challenges, including the government’s continued domination of the market.

Mayer Brown has hired David Stewart as a partner in its real estate practice. The new hire was formerly a partner with Latham & Watkins in New York.

The Mortgage Bankers Association is calling for a merger of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s mortgage bonds both as a “first step” in transitioning into a single security. The change would save taxpayers billions and ensure a liquid and stable housing finance system, the group believes.

GE Capital is marketing a $750 million dealer floorplan master note trust securtization that will be rated by both Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings.

After the Maiden Lane III MAX CDO sale, last week roughly $1.5 billion face value of super-senior CDO bonds or the entire remaining balance of WAVE 2007-1 and 2007-2 A1s were put out for bid, according to JPMorgan Securities analysts reported.

In 2004, I had the unique distinction of being perhaps the only person in history to have the U.S. Senate place a bounty on his head. I didn't rob a train. My crime was leading a federal investigation into misconduct at Fannie Mae.

Santander Consumer USA is in the market with Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust (SDART) 2012-3.

PrinceRidge has hired five new directors to its RMBS unit. With these additional hires, the firm's RMBS group has grown to more than 24 people.

Fitch Ratings has appointed John Miles as head of Fitch Australia effective immediately. Based in Sydney, he will be responsible for managing the rating agency's day-to-day business operations in Australia and New Zealand.