Mortgage rates

The 30-year average has made a steep reversal over the past two weeks following a large acceleration in mid-June.

The moves were widely anticipated, with the markets already pricing them in, as the central bank attempts to get the upper hand on record-setting inflation.

The 30-year average has risen by more than a full percentage point in a little over a month.

Many banks reported sharp declines in income from home loans during the second quarter. The large gains they enjoyed last year thanks to a surge in refinancing activity are unlikely to return, according to bankers and analysts.

Home loans accounted for the bulk of the industry’s lending gains in 2020, but inventory shortages in some markets and an uneven economic recovery may dim prospects this year.

A new report from California shows that less-regulated mortgage lenders may be doing a better than banks of serving Black and Latino homebuyers. But consumer advocates say the data bolsters the case for tougher supervision of nonbanks.

The higher charge on mortgages refinanced through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is supposed to cushion against a crisis but could contribute to one as the fees are passed on to struggling consumers.

An industry coalition wants to ensure borrowers who took out certain types of loans to fund their education aren’t locked out of access to historically low mortgage rates.

Credit unions have seen historic mortgage growth so far this year despite the pandemic, but there are concerns some institutions may be overly relying on refinancing and not focusing enough on generating new purchase business.

One segment of the market, at least, has proved more resilient than many feared early on in the crisis.

Mortgage rates are at record lows, but borrowers hoping to take advantage are running into the toughest loan-approval standards in years.

Lenders are throwing money at buyers with stable jobs while making it harder for weak borrowers to get loans; $50 billion in loss provisions may not be enough and could stifle lending.

Some institutions have seen application volumes rise by more than 300% following the Fed's emergency rate cuts, but there are fears that CUs who bulk up on home loans now could pay the price later.

The governors want more regulatory power as federal oversight slips; U.S. and European banks dropped sharply Monday as coronavirus-related problems multiply.

Bankers express confidence despite coronavirus concerns, while consumers ponder cash needs; U.K. will hold off unloading its 62% stake in bank.

While clients are uneasy about the spread of coronavirus, Kelly King touted the added volume his company has seen from lower rates.

The JPM CEO is “recovering well” as the bank’s two co-presidents assume control; the House finance chairwoman says the bank board members neglected their duty.

Demand for home loans has been strong in recent months and is expected to increase coronavirus fears push rates lower.

Refinance application activity last week was the highest in nearly seven years, with more than triple the volume from one year ago, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Banks' lowering of origination fees and loosening of underwriting standards often foreshadow a downturn.