Nearly 70% of Americans believe the economy is headed in the wrong direction and 73% believe it's a bad time to buy a house, according to Fannie Mae's Home Purchase Sentiment Index. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch | License PhotoOct. 8 (UPI) -- Nearly 70% of Americans believe the economy is headed in the wrong direction and 73% think it's a bad time to buy a house, according to Fannie Mae's Home Purchase Sentiment Index.In the September survey, just 32% believe the economy is going in the right direction and 27 ...

Collecting on dormant second mortgages has recently increased in the US, blindsiding homeowners with large bills. https://t.co/3YWok7OLFW ...

Trading, Non-QM, Fraud Detection Tools; Equifax's Price Cut; Webinars and Events We’re sailing through autumn. Places like Seattle and Minneapolis are losing 3-5 minutes of sunlight a day. Donald Trump told Congress to end changing clocks, but is seems that most states will still do it (“spring ahead, fall back”) November 2. Time flies, and we’re 23 days away from Halloween. Despite how it’s celebrated by 5-year-olds and their parents, frat houses, or at many malls around the U.S., is thought to come from ...

Core Insights - Recent improvements in Wall Street's sentiment towards the housing market have led to a decrease in the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to approximately 6.34%, down from just below 7% at the start of 2025, indicating a potential equilibrium in the housing market [2][6] Mortgage Rate Dynamics - Mortgage rates typically follow the trend of the 10-year U.S. Treasury note but at a higher level, with the difference known as the spread. The spread widened significantly starting in 2022, making mortgages more expensive due to investor concerns about inflation control by the Federal Reserve [3][5] - Recently, the spread between Treasury yields and mortgage rates has narrowed after reaching long-time highs, reflecting a shift in investor sentiment [4] Economic Context - The surge in inflation to a 40-year high post-COVID shutdowns led to a sell-off in bonds, resulting in higher yields and mortgage rates. In October 2022, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate exceeded 7%, more than double its level at the beginning of the year [5] - Despite initial fears that high mortgage rates would severely impact the housing market, it has managed to absorb rates between 6-7% without a significant downturn, contrary to earlier predictions of a potential crash [6][7] Current Market Sentiment - Industry experts suggest that the housing market is stabilizing, with expectations of a return to more typical conditions. However, the high rates continue to pose challenges for individual borrowers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to enter the housing market [7]

Core Viewpoint - UWM Holdings Corp. (NYSE:UWMC) is experiencing significant stock price declines due to ongoing uncertainties related to a class action lawsuit alleging collusion with brokers to inflate mortgage prices for homebuyers [1][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - UWM Holdings has seen a continuous decline in stock price, dropping 6.35% to $5.60 per share, marking the third consecutive day of losses as investors sell off their positions [1]. Group 2: Legal Proceedings - A recent ruling by US District Judge Brandy McMillion dismissed most allegations against UWM Holdings, including racketeering, stating that the plaintiffs did not sufficiently demonstrate harm caused by the company [2]. - The judge allowed the plaintiffs to pursue claims related to violations of federal consumer protection laws in mortgage transactions [2]. Group 3: Company Response - UWM Holdings expressed confidence in the legal outcome, stating that the ruling indicates the case is nearly resolved in their favor and that the initial allegations lacked merit [3].

Core Viewpoint - KBRA has assigned preliminary ratings to eight classes of mortgage-backed notes from New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2025-NQM5, a $500.9 million non-prime RMBS transaction sponsored by Rithm Capital Corp [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - The total size of the transaction is $500.9 million [1] - The transaction is categorized as a non-prime RMBS [1] - Rithm Capital Corp, formerly known as New Residential Investment Corp, is the sponsor of the transaction [1] Group 2: Underlying Mortgages - The underlying mortgages in the pool were primarily originated by Champions Funding, LLC (31.9%), NewRez LLC (24.8%), and Home Express [1]

Core Insights - Small-cap stocks are gaining significant attention, with some stocks in the iShares Russell 2000 ETF experiencing massive gains this year, outperforming larger-cap stocks like Nvidia and Palantir [1][2]. Small-Cap Performance - The iShares Russell 2000 ETF has increased by 11.2% this year, although it still lags behind the S&P 500 [2]. - On September 18, the Russell 2000 index reached an all-time high for the first time since March 15, 2021, ending a streak of 967 trading days without a new high, which is the second longest in the index's history [3]. Notable Small-Cap Stocks - The Oncology Institute (TOI) has seen a remarkable rise of 1,064% this year, increasing from 31 cents to $3.60 per share [3]. - Better Home & Finance (BETR) and ThredUp (TDUP) also performed well, with gains of 602.6% and 578.1% respectively [7]. - ThredUp is valued at over $1.1 billion and is expected to lose 24 cents per share this year, yet its stock price has risen to $9.44 [5]. Market Dynamics - Many small-cap stocks started the year with low share prices, leading to substantial percentage increases with even small dollar gains [3]. - The average stock in the Russell 2000 index now trades for $37 per share, indicating a shift in market dynamics as small stocks rally [6].

Core Viewpoint - The recent decline in the share price of Federal Agricultural Mortgage (NYSE: AGM) presents an opportunity to re-establish a long position in the company [1]. Group 1: Investment Position - The company currently holds positions in two series of preferred shares issued by Federal Agricultural Mortgage [1]. - There is an intention to initiate a long position in AGM's common shares in the near future [2]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The investment group European Small Cap Ideas focuses on high-quality small-cap investment opportunities, emphasizing capital gains and dividend income [1]. - The group offers two model portfolios: the European Small Cap Ideas portfolio and the European REIT Portfolio, along with weekly updates and educational content [1].

Core Viewpoint - Rocket Companies has transformed into an attractive investment opportunity following strategic acquisitions, despite facing challenges from rising interest rates and a cooling housing market [1][12]. Group 1: Company Performance and Market Conditions - Rocket Companies went public in August 2020 as the largest retail mortgage originator in the U.S., initially benefiting from low interest rates and a refinancing boom during the pandemic [3]. - The company's operating earnings fell sharply due to rising interest rates and decreased mortgage demand, leading to skepticism among investors and a decline in stock price [4][12]. - The stock price has rebounded to approximately $18, which is 58% below its all-time high of $43 reached in March 2021 [2]. Group 2: Strategic Acquisitions - Rocket has made significant acquisitions, including Mr. Cooper Group and Redfin, to diversify its earnings and enhance resilience against market fluctuations [6][8]. - The acquisition of Mr. Cooper Group, which closed on October 1, provides Rocket with the largest mortgage servicing platform in the U.S., with over $2.1 trillion in unpaid principal balances, generating stable recurring fee income [9]. - The Redfin acquisition, completed in July, enhances Rocket's customer acquisition through its real estate search platform, bringing millions of potential home buyers into Rocket's ecosystem [10]. Group 3: Business Model and Future Outlook - Rocket aims to control the entire home-buying experience, from search to closing and servicing, fostering long-term customer relationships [7][8]. - The integration of Redfin's agent network with Rocket's origination and servicing capabilities creates a comprehensive solution for home buying and financing, improving margins and reducing acquisition costs [11]. - If interest rates decline, Rocket could benefit from a recovering housing market and a potential refinancing boom, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for mortgage needs [13].

Housing Market Competition & Affordability - FHFA emphasizes the need for increased competition in the housing market to lower costs for consumers [2][4][8] - The director believes fostering competition is key to lowering costs, moving away from a perceived "cartel" situation with credit bureaus and FICO [4][8] - FHFA aims to create a competitive market where businesses lower costs and pass savings to consumers [4] - The director disputes claims that the new FICO program will add $99 to the cost of a typical mortgage [7] Credit Bureaus & FICO - FHFA encourages credit bureaus to be creative and competitive [5] - FICO is recognized for developing creative and constructive solutions [3] - The director denies having a personal vendetta against FICO [3] Mortgage Market & Interest Rates - The director expresses concern about the rise in mortgage rates from approximately 2-3% to 7% and hopes for a decrease [10][11] - The director believes the Fed's actions on interest rates will impact mortgage rates [9] - The director acknowledges a recent setback in mortgage applications and refinancing activity [9] Industry Collaboration - The director calls on all stakeholders, including FICO, credit bureaus, title companies, mortgage insurers, and homebuilders, to contribute to a competitive, safe, and sound market [6][7]