Secondary

Credit Suisse Group is seeking to sell almost $300 million of notes tied to mortgage-insurance policies written by an American International Group Inc. unit, offering investors a new way to profit from a reviving U.S. housing market.

Fannie Mae is selling three pools of nonperforming loans totaling $788 million in unpaid principal balance, the government-sponsored enterprise announced Thursday.

The efforts of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shareholders to claw back the value of their investments by suing the U.S. Treasury have not elicited much support on Capitol Hill.

Umpqua Holdings in Portland, Ore., reported higher second-quarter profit, citing lower merger costs and growth in residential real estate lending and equipment finance.

Citigroup's second-quarter profit got a modest boost from Citi Holdings, a unit set up six years ago as a dumping ground for toxic assets. After losing billions for years, Citi Holdings has now become a minor profit source for its parent.

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling is planning to push legislation that would rein in the Federal Reserve Board.

Mortgage applications for new-home purchases rose 1% during June compared with the previous month as housing prices continue to recover, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Incorporating bill and rental payment data into consumer credit scores would be a boon for underserved Americans. New legislation in Congress could help credit reporting agencies realize this goal.

Confidence among homebuilders held in July at the highest level since November 2005, indicating the residential real estate market may be picking up speed.

Mortgage rates for 30-year loans rose to the highest since October after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen reiterated plans to increase borrowing costs this year and the likelihood of a Greek exit from the euro region faded.