Fannie Mae

As they prepare to exit government conservatorship, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have enlisted the investment banks to help them boost capital and evaluate market opportunities.

The number of loans going into coronavirus-related forbearance ground down to a growth rate of 2 basis points between June 1 and June 7, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The expected rise in refinance volume overrides pessimism about purchase activity for their businesses.

A federal grand jury indicted Ronald J. McCord, 69, of Oklahoma City, on charges of defrauding two banks, Fannie Mae, and others of millions of dollars, money laundering, and making a false statement to a financial institution, said Timothy J. Downing, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

The FHFA’s proposal is intended to strengthen Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but many experts warn that it could boost guarantee fees for lenders that they say may be passed on to borrowers.

The number of loans going into coronavirus-related forbearance slowed to a rate of 7 basis points between May 25 and May 31, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

After bottoming out at a 10-year low in April, consumer sentiment for home buying rebounded in May, according to Fannie Mae.

Self-service portals fielded at least half of coronavirus-related forbearance-plan requests and made it possible to handle an influx at a challenging time, but the GSEs recommend circling back to borrowers.

The FHFA looks to shed light on the amount of funds Fannie and Freddie will need to hold for their risk-sharing deals.

The firm also predicts that the coronavirus pandemic will delay the GSEs' release from government control.