The Lede

MarketWatch, Feb. 17, 2017--Greg RobbThe U.S. leading economic index had its second strong increase since the election and if the trend continues it could point to acceleration in economic growth, the Conference Board said Friday.

DSNews, Feb. 21, 2017TransUnion, a credit information service, released a report, Q4 2016 Industry Insight Report, on credit service trends for 2016. It reported in 2016 alone, 12 million consumers gained access to credit services such as personal loans, mortgages, auto loans and credit cards.

Commercial Property Executive, Feb. 21, 2017--Sanyu KyeyuneMBA Chairman Rodrigo López, CMB, pointed out three components of MBA's blueprint for 2017: ensuring regulations promote the efficient flow of capital, deploying transformational technology to better serve customers and developing a workforce as diverse as its customers.

Mortgage Daily, Feb. 21, 2017Estimates were based on an analysis of CRE lending reports issued by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Mortgage Daily, Feb. 21, 2017MGIC has relaxed some of its underwriting guidelines. Among the changes are higher loan-to-value ratios, increased loan amounts and reduced credit scores.

Mortgage Daily, Feb. 17, 2017Nearly $800 million in distressed government-sponsored enterprise residential loans have been put on the auction block.

National Mortgage News, Feb. 17, 2017--Brad Finkelstein (subscription)The change of power in the White House will not affect Fannie Mae's focus for 2017 in bringing innovations similar to the Day 1 Certainty program to its customers, CEO Timothy Mayopoulos said in an interview.

National Mortgage News, Feb. 17, 2017--Kevin Wack (subscription)Ocwen Financial has reached a deal with California authorities to resolve allegations that the mortgage servicing firm--a frequent target of regulators in recent years--again violated a range of state and federal laws.

HousingWire, Feb. 20, 2017--Kelsey RamirezTwo firms, Jack Conway and New Penn Financial announced the launch of a joint-venture mortgage company--Conway Financial Services.

National Mortgage Professional, Feb. 20, 2017--Phil HallCommercial and multifamily mortgage originations saw a 20 percent spike between the third and the fourth quarters, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Quarterly Survey of Commercial/Multifamily Mortgage Bankers Originations.

GoRion, Feb. 17, 2017--Kerry CurryFannie Mae's backing of Invitation Homes' recently completed IPO bodes well for the future of the single-family rental market as the government-sponsored enterprise's decision to securitize a $1 billion loan adds an important layer of credibility.

UExpress.com, Feb. 17, 2017--Lew SichelmanEven after 51 consecutive months of a below-normal supply of homes for sale, the picture for buyers this year is expected to be even more challenging.

Bloomberg, Feb. 17, 2017--Joe LightKushner Cos. has apartment buildings from New Jersey to Maryland with more than $500 million in government-backed mortgages financed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. That could put officials at those agencies in an awkward spot: If Kushner Cos. applies for a new loan, or wants to refinance, would Freddie turn them down? If Kushner Cos. fails to comply with the terms of a loan, will Fannie seek to foreclose on a property owned by the president's in-laws?

HousingWire, Feb. 17, 2017--Ben LaneWhen Altisource Portfolio Solutions filed its 10-K yearly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this week, the company revealed that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is looking into the company's relationship with Ocwen Financial.

National Mortgage News, Feb. 17, 2017--Jacob Passy (subscription)Fannie Mae reported higher net income in the fourth quarter over the previous year.

MarketWatch, Feb. 17, 2017, 2017--Alessandra MalitoMortgage payments make up the biggest chunk of U.S. homeowners' income since 2010, reported Zillow.

National Mortgage Professional, Feb. 17, 2017--Phil Hall"We're expecting steady, modest growth in the U.S. economy," said MBA Vice President of Research & Economics Lynn Fisher at the MBA National Mortgage Servicing Conference & Expo. "We're seeing real economic growth in a number of indicators."

Mortgage Professional America, Feb. 17,2017--Anna SobrevinasThe Mortgage Bankers Association appointed Quicken Loans' Pete Carroll and Black Knight's Andy Crisenberry to its Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization's board of directors.

National Real Estate Investor, Feb. 17, 2017--Patricia KirkFalling energy prices and energy-sector jobs have had a major impact on hotel stays and the oil-related financial sector in some cities as well as industrial occupancy in some states with a heavy dependence on oil.

Reuters, Feb. 17, 2017--Richard LeongGoldman Sachs analysts said on Friday that they expect 30-year conventional mortgage rates to rise 150 basis points to about 5.5 percent by 2019 in step with an increase in benchmark Treasury yields and investors demanding higher compensation to own mortgage-backed securities.

The Mortgage Bankers Association' Condominium Lending Workshop, Challenges and Opportunities, takes place Apr. 5-6 in Chicago.

MBA Education presents a webinar, Consumer Direct Origination: Best Practices for Driving Purchase Money, today, Feb. 21 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET.