Originations

Lending activity among builders surged over 22% annually in December, but the growing share of FHA-backed borrowing in the segment took a step back for the first time in four months, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

The former Obama administration official and MBA head died unexpectedly on Jan. 16.

For the past week, the benchmark 10-year Treasury closed above 4%, as the markets priced in an increase in the consumer price index.

Both companies saw their stock rating cut because of their current valuation, similar to why Rocket's was previously dropped. They declined comment on the move.

Industry consolidation has resulted in fewer conventional and government loan programs being offered to consumers.

December's shift in Federal Reserve policy gave a notable boost to the share of consumer respondents who think the affordability of home financing will improve.

Low refinance volume creates a "relative disadvantage" for Rocket, which historically had a much larger share of that market versus purchase, a note by Bose George, analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, said.

The end-of-year slowdown comes after a recent fall surge, but overall activity still finished 6% below late 2022 levels, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The segment demonstrated sustained resilience in the third quarter, growing its share of the market each month amid rate volatility, according to Corelogic.

But the decline may be close to its floor, as wide spreads compared to 10-year Treasury yields hinder how far averages could fall.