Originations

The move is somewhat counterintuitive relative to other market signals but Fannie Mae generally forecasts a net positive shift in lending conditions this year.

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

Navy Federal, the nation's largest credit union, is facing a lawsuit about its allegedly discriminatory mortgage lending practices.

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

But this week the 30-year fixed rate mortgage average increased for the first time in two months.

Rates that have been below 7% for two consecutive weeks have given originators a gift at what's typically a slow time of year, Freddie Mac said.

The lawsuit accuses Navy Federal of violating the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act after a CNN report that the lender approved a lower percentage of Black and Latino mortgage applicants.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is appealing a lower court ruling that the agency exceeded its authority in bringing an anti-discrimination enforcement action against a Chicago mortgage lender after he made disparaging remarks about Blacks and Hispanics.

The Fed's announcement is responsible for a 19 basis point drop in the 10-year yield over a two-day period, pushing the 30-year fixed under 7% for the first time since August, Freddie Mac said.

Recent economic data pushed investors toward Treasurys over the past week, driving 10-year yields to as low as 4.1%.