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25th February, 26
Non-QM, QC, Cash Flow Worksheet, Virtual Economist, Home Equity Closing Products; FHA/VA News
It is no secret that Congress and regulators have trouble keeping up with technology. But is an AI “conversation” with a borrower any different than a questionnaire given to that same borrower? Will the line be drawn at RESPA items? Can regulators audit transcripts of AI “conversations” without court orders? (One way to have the “inside scoop” on issues like this and others is to register for MBA’s National Advocacy Conference (NAC) this April. The early bird special ends Monday, March 2. It’s the industry’s largest advocacy event and the most effective way to represent your
Non-QM, QC, Cash Flow Worksheet, Virtual Economist, Home Equity Closing Products; FHA/VA News
It is no secret that Congress and regulators have trouble keeping up with technology. But is an AI “conversation” with a borrower any different than a questionnaire given to that same borrower? Will the line be drawn at RESPA items? Can regulators audit transcripts of AI “conversations” without court orders? (One way to have the “inside scoop” on issues like this and others is to register for MBA’s National Advocacy Conference (NAC) this April. The early bird special ends Monday, March 2. It’s the industry’s largest advocacy event and the most effective way to represent your
25th February, 26
Re-Settling Into Same Narrow Range Amid Lack of Data
Some days, there's a lot to say about what's going on in the bond market. Other days are like today. Analysts have to lean on themes like trading ranges, technicals, and the asset allocation trade (buy stocks / sell bonds, and vice versa). Incidentally, those default explanations continue to hold some water with 10yr yields once again hesitant to push below 4.0% this week and a slow recover in stocks possibly pulling yields a bit higher. We can also consider a bit of concessionary trading ahead of the 5yr Treasury auction (accounts abstaining from buying now because they have to buy
Re-Settling Into Same Narrow Range Amid Lack of Data
Some days, there's a lot to say about what's going on in the bond market. Other days are like today. Analysts have to lean on themes like trading ranges, technicals, and the asset allocation trade (buy stocks / sell bonds, and vice versa). Incidentally, those default explanations continue to hold some water with 10yr yields once again hesitant to push below 4.0% this week and a slow recover in stocks possibly pulling yields a bit higher. We can also consider a bit of concessionary trading ahead of the 5yr Treasury auction (accounts abstaining from buying now because they have to buy
24th February, 26
Calmly Holding in Super Strong Territory
Calmly Holding in Super Strong Territory MBS may not be quite as high as they were yesterday, but in the bigger picture, today's levels are right in line with the best we've seen in more than 3 years. More importantly, mortgage rates are verifiably at the best levels in more than 3 years. There was no major volatility or any remarkable econ data. Tomorrow's calendar is similarly quiet. Stock/bond correlations broke down in the afternoon, but as bonds search for any sources of guidance, that correlation could certainly return if stocks are making bigger moves. Econ Data / Events ADP Weekly
Calmly Holding in Super Strong Territory
Calmly Holding in Super Strong Territory MBS may not be quite as high as they were yesterday, but in the bigger picture, today's levels are right in line with the best we've seen in more than 3 years. More importantly, mortgage rates are verifiably at the best levels in more than 3 years. There was no major volatility or any remarkable econ data. Tomorrow's calendar is similarly quiet. Stock/bond correlations broke down in the afternoon, but as bonds search for any sources of guidance, that correlation could certainly return if stocks are making bigger moves. Econ Data / Events ADP Weekly
24th February, 26
Mortgage Rates Match Multi-Year Low For 2nd Straight Day
The average top-tier mortgage rates made it back to 5.99% yesterday for the first time since January 9th and only the second time in more than 3 years. With rates holding perfectly steady today, this is the 3rd day that matches that multi-year low. In one important way, the past 2 days represent a bigger victory for rates. Back on January 9th, the MND rate index only hit 5.99 for a few hours before bouncing. The next month and a half saw the average well into the low 6s. Contrast that to the current case where we've approached 5.99% more slowly and, thus far, are holding it much more steadily
Mortgage Rates Match Multi-Year Low For 2nd Straight Day
The average top-tier mortgage rates made it back to 5.99% yesterday for the first time since January 9th and only the second time in more than 3 years. With rates holding perfectly steady today, this is the 3rd day that matches that multi-year low. In one important way, the past 2 days represent a bigger victory for rates. Back on January 9th, the MND rate index only hit 5.99 for a few hours before bouncing. The next month and a half saw the average well into the low 6s. Contrast that to the current case where we've approached 5.99% more slowly and, thus far, are holding it much more steadily
24th February, 26
Non-QM Pricing, Documentation, eSignature, AI Tools; Thoughts on New Starting Points for Borrowers
At the Optimal Blue Summit going on now, sessions range from AI to loan officer tools to market strategy, product unveilings built to transform pricing, trading, and profitability. Will AI help? A study published this month by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that among 6,000 CEOs, chief financial officers, and other executives from firms who responded to various business outlook surveys in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Australia, the vast majority see little impact from AI on their operations. Speaking of which, today’s Mortgages With Millennials at 1PM ET, sponsored by
Non-QM Pricing, Documentation, eSignature, AI Tools; Thoughts on New Starting Points for Borrowers
At the Optimal Blue Summit going on now, sessions range from AI to loan officer tools to market strategy, product unveilings built to transform pricing, trading, and profitability. Will AI help? A study published this month by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that among 6,000 CEOs, chief financial officers, and other executives from firms who responded to various business outlook surveys in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Australia, the vast majority see little impact from AI on their operations. Speaking of which, today’s Mortgages With Millennials at 1PM ET, sponsored by
24th February, 26
Slower Start, More Sideways. Stock Lever in Play
Volume and volatility is lower this morning compared to yesterday, but the same theme of risk aversion looks to be in play, probably. Why "probably?" Because the theme in question (risk aversion, or what we sometimes refer to as the "stock lever") oftentimes makes it hard to distinguish between correlation and causality. All we know so far today is that both stocks and bond yields are sightly higher from yesterday's lows and have been generally sideways so far today. The econ calendar remains light in terms of importance, despite plenty of line items
Slower Start, More Sideways. Stock Lever in Play
Volume and volatility is lower this morning compared to yesterday, but the same theme of risk aversion looks to be in play, probably. Why "probably?" Because the theme in question (risk aversion, or what we sometimes refer to as the "stock lever") oftentimes makes it hard to distinguish between correlation and causality. All we know so far today is that both stocks and bond yields are sightly higher from yesterday's lows and have been generally sideways so far today. The econ calendar remains light in terms of importance, despite plenty of line items
23rd February, 26
General Risk Aversion Trade Helping Bonds
General Risk Aversion Trade Helping Bonds Bonds began the day in just barely stronger territory but continued to improve throughout. The first rally followed the 8:20am CME open--a common time of day to see a bit of extra momentum and volume. The next leg of the rally played out in the 10am hour which is when stocks did all of their selling for the day. That dynamic lends itself to the conclusion that the broader market is trading in a "risk-off" pattern amid global trade uncertainty. Econ Data / Events Factory Orders -0.7 vs -0.5 f'cast, 2.7 prev Market Movement Recap 09:52 AM Modestly
General Risk Aversion Trade Helping Bonds
General Risk Aversion Trade Helping Bonds Bonds began the day in just barely stronger territory but continued to improve throughout. The first rally followed the 8:20am CME open--a common time of day to see a bit of extra momentum and volume. The next leg of the rally played out in the 10am hour which is when stocks did all of their selling for the day. That dynamic lends itself to the conclusion that the broader market is trading in a "risk-off" pattern amid global trade uncertainty. Econ Data / Events Factory Orders -0.7 vs -0.5 f'cast, 2.7 prev Market Movement Recap 09:52 AM Modestly
23rd February, 26
Mortgage Rates Dip Back Into The 5's
This coverage is coming out earlier than normal due to a more interesting headline than normal. The average top-tier 30yr fixed rate fell back to 5.99% today, matching the levels seen only briefly back on January 9th, 2026 when the Fannie/Freddie bond buying plans were announced. Much like the last time, there's always a risk that something happens to prompt a bond market reversal today. If that happens, mortgage lenders could raise rates in the middle of the day. But unlike last time, mortgage rates have eased down to current levels in a much more gradual and--dare we say--sustainable
Mortgage Rates Dip Back Into The 5's
This coverage is coming out earlier than normal due to a more interesting headline than normal. The average top-tier 30yr fixed rate fell back to 5.99% today, matching the levels seen only briefly back on January 9th, 2026 when the Fannie/Freddie bond buying plans were announced. Much like the last time, there's always a risk that something happens to prompt a bond market reversal today. If that happens, mortgage lenders could raise rates in the middle of the day. But unlike last time, mortgage rates have eased down to current levels in a much more gradual and--dare we say--sustainable
23rd February, 26
DSCR, BI, Retention, Processing Tools; Correspondent and Wholesaler News; UAD 3.6 Interview
Products, Services, and Software for Brokers and Lenders When every basis point counts and staffing doesn’t magically scale with volume, servicers need automation that works as hard as they do. That’s exactly how Dark Matter Technologies delivers Elevate, a loan servicing solution designed for real-world operators who need more than a system that simply “generates reports.” Elevate automates scheduling, file delivery, and interim servicing workflows, reducing operational strain and helping teams manage more loans without adding headcount. With nearly four decades of servicing
DSCR, BI, Retention, Processing Tools; Correspondent and Wholesaler News; UAD 3.6 Interview
Products, Services, and Software for Brokers and Lenders When every basis point counts and staffing doesn’t magically scale with volume, servicers need automation that works as hard as they do. That’s exactly how Dark Matter Technologies delivers Elevate, a loan servicing solution designed for real-world operators who need more than a system that simply “generates reports.” Elevate automates scheduling, file delivery, and interim servicing workflows, reducing operational strain and helping teams manage more loans without adding headcount. With nearly four decades of servicing
23rd February, 26
Stronger Start. Quiet Calendar
Bonds are starting the new week in slightly stronger territory, but still well inside the prevailing trading range. There were no standout market movers over the weekend although tariff and trade-related uncertainty may be generally weighing on investor sentiment to some small extent. The econ calendar is very quiet throughout the week with Friday's PPI being the most relevant report (and that's not saying much). This leaves markets more susceptible to trade and geopolitical headlines, but big moves would require big surprises.
Stronger Start. Quiet Calendar
Bonds are starting the new week in slightly stronger territory, but still well inside the prevailing trading range. There were no standout market movers over the weekend although tariff and trade-related uncertainty may be generally weighing on investor sentiment to some small extent. The econ calendar is very quiet throughout the week with Friday's PPI being the most relevant report (and that's not saying much). This leaves markets more susceptible to trade and geopolitical headlines, but big moves would require big surprises.