Origination

Stewart Information Services Corp. returned to profitability in the second quarter as it earned $9.4 million, versus a loss of $20.6 million for the same period one year ago.

The PMI Group's second quarter loss of $150.6 million, while improved over the same period in 2009, was still a surprise as analysts predicted the company should be able to pare those losses further. The company had a $222 million loss one year ago.

The new Internet generation of online-only customers and readers, along with businesses eager to explore their information technology options, is growing.Up to 70% of adults who use the Internet also use online banking, and only 7% of those who have signed up do not use it. Findings from Mintel Comperemedia also show that 30% of online bankers log on to pay their mortgages or credit cards.

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As pure-play mortgage lenders continue to scramble to get warehouse lines, technologists say automation can help.Rob Katz, president at LOS Del Mar Database, contends, "The entity giving a warehouse line has to be confident that their partners are doing sound lending. How do you prove that if you don't have technology in place? Because there are so few sources for lines and they're restrictive, being able to demonstrate that you have the technology to move a loan through the pipeline quickly and efficiently is an advantage.

Loan officers at banks, thrifts, and credit unions must sign up with a nationwide registry starting next year under final rules issued by federal regulators on Wednesday.

Residential real estate markets have become "sluggish" in most parts of the country following the April 30 expiration of federal homebuyer tax credits, according to the Federal Reserve's new 'Beige Book' report.

With attractive lending opportunities hard to come by, bankers are finding themselves doing what would have been unthinkable just two years ago: discouraging deposits.Most large and regional banking companies are drowning in deposits, raising concern that excess liquidity could be a drag on earnings in coming quarters.

The stock price for Flagstar Bancorp Inc. was down nearly 10% in midday trading after the company reported a $97 million second quarter loss, compared with a first quarter loss of $82 million and a second quarter 2009 loss of $77 million.

Some good news is emerging from the home equity credit market, which given historic high delinquency rates and negative equity concerns are both unexpected and welcome.Equifax Inc. of Atlanta reports home equity, auto and credit card loans continued their year-over-year delinquency rate decline in May showing signs of improvements not yet visible in many other industries.