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Federal Reserve

Fed delivers third straight rate cut, but housing market will see limited relief

Federal Open Market Committee, Federal Reserve, HWmember, Jerome Powell, LendingLife, Monetary policy, Mortgage, Mortgage Rates, Regulatory /

The Federal Reserve delivered another 25-basis-point cut to its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday, setting the target range at 3.5% to 3.75% amid signs of a softening labor market and inflation that’s still above the central bank’s 2% target.  The move marks the Fed’s third straight rate cut to end 2025, following 25-bps cuts in […]

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Fed moves won’t move needle on housing — yet

Economy, Federal Reserve, Industry News, Monetary policy, Mortgage Rates /

In a highly expected move, the Federal Reserve cut its federal funds rate on Wednesday, but Chairman Jerome Powell’s comments ultimately may have more influence on whether policy provides a boost for lenders and home buyers. Processing Content The central bank slashed its funds rate by 25 basis points at the close of the Federal

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MBA voices support for proposed cut to community banks’ leverage ratio

Community Bank, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve, HWmember, Mortgage, Mortgage Bankers Association, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Regulatory, Regulatory Compliance /

Late last month, federal banking regulators proposed lowering the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) for qualifying community banks and bank holding companies from 9% to 8% while extending the timeframe for certain banks to remain in the program. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance

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Supreme Court doubtful on validity of independent agencies

Federal Reserve, Litigation, Monetary policy, Politics and policy, Regulation and compliance, Trump administration /

Key takeaway: A majority of Supreme Court Justices appeared willing to undo a nearly century-old precedent underpinning the notion of independent regulatory agencies. Expert quote: “Humphrey’s must be overruled. It has become a decaying husk with bold and particularly dangerous pretensions. It was grievously wrong when decided and cases [in recent years] have thoroughly eroded

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Inside the brewing battle over regional Fed bank leadership

Federal Reserve, Interest rates, Monetary policy, Politics and policy /

Key Insight: Expectations are building that the regional Fed president reappointments set for February will break from historical norms, with a higher likelihood of dissents from the board of governors expected at the very least. Expert Quote:  “A couple of ‘no’s’ or abstentions can illustrate that the reappointment process is not merely a rubber-stamping or

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December housing demand near 3-year high as spreads improve

Federal Reserve, Housing Inventory, Housing Market, Housing Market Tracker, Mortgage Rates, Purchase Applications /

As mortgage purchase applications approach a three-year high, it’s vital to recognize the significant role played by mortgage spreads. Without the improvement in mortgage spreads starting in 2024, we would not have gotten mortgage rates below 6.64%, which spurred the last 18 weeks of positive data. The following analysis examines this data in detail. Mortgage

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Bessent floats residency rule for regional Fed presidents

Federal Reserve, Inflation, Monetary policy, Politics and policy, Tariffs /

Key takeaway: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an appearance Wednesday that the Federal Reserve should require regional Fed presidents to reside in their districts for three years going forward. Supporting data: All 12 regional Fed presidents’ terms expire every five years and are reappointed as a bloc. The next vote on reappointing regional bank

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Does the Fed have an ethics problem?

Corporate ethics, Federal Reserve, Politics and policy /

Key Insight: Even though ethics violations among Fed officials are uncommon, high-profile cases like that of former Fed Gov. Adriana Kugler highlights persistent questions about oversight effectiveness. Expert Quote: “When you’re in a position that’s as influential as working at the Federal Reserve, you’re governed by the law of Caesar’s wife — be above suspicion.”

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Bessent calls for simplified Fed as he ends candidate interviews

Federal Reserve, Mortgage Rates /

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that a key theme of his interviews for the next chair of the Federal Reserve has been simplifying the US central bank, which he indicated has become too complex in how it manages money markets. “One of the things in terms of the criteria that I’ve been looking for” has

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With Powell set to move on, who are the candidates for the next Fed chair?

Federal Reserve, HWmember, Jerome Powell, Monetary policy, Mortgage, Regulatory, Trump administration /

Several candidates have been publicly identified to serve as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, with current Chair Jerome Powell‘s term coming to an end in May. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC’s Sara Eisen in October that he would give President Donald Trump “three or four candidates for him to interview” shortly after Thanksgiving. Trump, however, told reporters

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