Commercial lending

New data shows that large commercial banks are increasing their originations of single-family construction loans, but these loans still represent a small percentage of their total assets.

As demand for new homes outpaces supply, it is essential for mortgage lenders to pursue strategies that stimulate inventory levels, such as supporting builders with construction financing and offering homebuyers single-close construction-to-permanent loans. (The first in a four-part series on the mortgage industry's response to the housing inventory shortage.)

With traditional mortgage lending opportunities becoming increasingly scarce, banks in Seattle and Portland are loading up on jumbos, diving into multifamily and reviving dormant bridge loan programs.

Mexico's decision to reduce imports of soybean meal, corn and chicken has put more pressure on certain farmers, while creating another situation for lenders to monitor.

Granite Point Mortgage Trust priced its initial public offering at $19.50 per share, which was below the $20 to $21 range the company expected.

Over 45% of the borrowers the collateral pool have FICO scores above 760, compared with just 36.42% in the marketplace lender's most recent transaction, completed in May.

Granite Point Mortgage Trust is selling 10 million shares of common stock in an initial public offering to be priced between $20 and $21 per share.

The online lender, which focuses on high-earning millennials, is offering assurances that it will also serve Americans who make less money. But the company has not convinced critics, who say the plans are inadequate.

An aggressive band of community, regional and investment banks is stepping into the commercial real estate void left by more cautious lenders, saying there are still good CRE loans to be made or bought.

Aggressive restructuring moves and stock buybacks are giving CIT time to remold itself, but it will need to show core-banking growth to stave off calls for the company to sell itself.