Residential construction remains strong across the country, but lenders are reporting "steep declines" in mortgage refinancings, according to the Federal Reserve Board's Beige Book."Most Federal Reserve district banks report sizable declines in mortgage refinancing activity," the Beige Book says. However, the Dallas Reserve Bank indicated persistent strength in refinancings and the Chicago and Minneapolis banks reported a "slight bounce-back in late September." Meanwhile, commercial real estate markets continue to be "sluggish" and "weak" in most Federal Reserve districts, the economic report says.
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After home equity surged in 2023, average gains slowed last year before falling into negative territory over the past 12 months, Cotality said.
December 12 -
For 2026, the mortgage industry operating environment will improve, while nonbank financial metrics should be within Fitch's rating criteria sensitivities.
December 12 -
Rohit Chopra is named senior advisor to the Democratic Attorneys General Association's working group on consumer protection and affordability; Flagstar Bank adds additional wealth-planning capabilities to its private banking division; Chime promotes three members of its executive leadership team; and more in this week's banking news roundup.
December 12 -
The executive order described state legislation on artificial intelligence as a cumbersome patchwork, and pledged to develop a national framework.
December 12 -
The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the FHA-insured loan caps for low- and high-cost areas, which are set based on conforming loan limits.
December 12 -
Kansas City Federal Reserve President Jeffrey Schmid and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said in statements Friday that their dissents from this week's interest rate decision were spurred by inflation concerns and a lack of sufficient economic data.
December 12





