Risk management

But the numbers still generally remain below pre-pandemic levels, according to Attom.

Many industry stakeholders have been watching certain credit measures closely for signs that underwriting is loosening out of concern it could do so excessively, but indicators still show it's historically tight.

In a report to Congress, the agency recommended sharing information with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which also is looking more closely at servicemember mortgages.

The acting comptroller of the currency said new CECL standards will help banks weather current economic uncertainty. He also touted the benefits of diversity in risk management.

Fannie Mae announced a pilot rollout of a new special-purpose credit program, while Freddie Mac said it is expediting review of similar new programs from lenders during the Mortgage Bankers Association conference this week.

The post had been vacant on a full-time basis following Ryan Zanin's departure in May.

A larger share of cash-out loans and slowing home-price growth is leading to expectations of more serious delinquencies down the road, according to Milliman.

The agency acknowledged that loan performance in the sector has been strong, but cited several reasons to think that might change, including rising interest rates, the effects of inflation and uncertainty about the future of work and commerce.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell brushed off concerns that rapidly tightening monetary policy could disrupt the financial system. Some economists and policy experts beg to differ, raising concerns about loan defaults or even the collapse of a key institution or counterparty.

The two megabanks said that their capital requirements will rise in the wake of Federal Reserve stress tests, putting downward pressure on their distributions to shareholders. Meanwhile, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and others announced plans to raise their dividends.