Economy

Deals, trends and research in structured finance and asset-backed securities for the week of Jan.7-14

The FHFA and Treasury will allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to hold more capital as part of the Trump administration's plans to release the companies from conservatorship. But it is unclear whether the incoming Biden administration will keep the mortgage giants on the same reform path.

A slower-than-expected rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines and the threat of social unrest after the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol could threaten the recovery, according to an American Bankers Association panel.

The transaction finances the loan portion of a $989.5 million acquisition of warehouse and distribution properties located in nine states.

Commercial real estate portfolios have held up better than expected during the pandemic. But rising delinquencies and fears of a delayed economic recovery are renewing questions about credit quality.

When the Uniform Residential Loan Application transition deadline hits on March 1, a data set within Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter Program, which many lenders have used for a host of functions, will no longer be supported and unprepared lenders could later experience disruption.

With limited plan removals due to the holidays, mortgages in coronavirus-related forbearance rose by 15,000, according to Black Knight.

The reference pools of mortgages supporting the credit-risk transfer notes sold by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were 'generally lower' in delinquencies per newly issued monthly reports, says DBRS Morningstar.

Several consumer advocacy organizations have urged the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to deny the online lender's application for a national bank charter, citing concerns about its lending and debt-collection practices.

Utilities earn a regulated return on investment in new stuff, so there are quantifiable gains to be made on greening their asset base.