GSEs

As more borrowers exit their plans, fewer than 4 million loans sit in forbearance, according to Black Knight.

The FHFA director’s move this week to impose an “adverse market fee” of 0.5% on most refinanced mortgages will shift billions out of the hands of American consumers and into the hands of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — and their private shareholders.

The new “adverse market fee” for refinanced mortgages resembles steps the companies took to combat the 2008 mortgage crisis. But critics charge it isn’t necessary and will hurt borrowers’ ability to tap into low rates.

Earnings reports out this week beat pessimistic expectations, but strained coronavirus relief negotiations in Congress cloud the outlook for what's ahead.

The company reported nearly $23 million in losses for the second quarter, but that was an improvement on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

The mortgage servicing rights package going up for bid adds to signs that the market for large offerings is becoming more active.

The size of the decline depends on how bad the economy sinks and if the coronavirus spread is halted.

Fannie, Freddie also announced they'll face banklike liquidity standards starting Sept. 1.

The mortgage giants will have to meet benchmarks for covering cash flow needs during stressed periods. The FHFA views the requirements as a prerequisite to the companies exiting conservatorship.

The government-sponsored enterprise's earnings were up tenfold as it stabilized mortgage market liquidity amid the coronavirus.