This week’s top legislative and policy news from the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Category: News and Trends
115,000 Jobs Added in April; Industry Economists Share Thoughts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics May 8 released employment data for April, reporting 115,000 jobs were added and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.3%.
Strengthening Our Industry’s Voice: MAA’s Quarterly Webinar, May 13
During MAA Action Week, this grassroots webinar highlights how industry advocates are shaping today’s policy landscape through coordinated engagement. It offers a concise overview of recent legislative wins, current MAA Calls to Action, and the key legislative and regulatory priorities now in focus.
Chart of the Week: Monthly Payroll Growth and Unemployment Rates
Based on April’s employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there was some positive news on the job market for April, with the unemployment rate steady at 4.3%, employment growth at a solid 115,000, and wage growth picking up to 3.6% at an annual rate.
CMG Foundation Presents Wine Auction Event at MBA Secondary and Capital Markets Conference
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the CMG Foundation’s 11th Charity Wine Tasting & Auction in New York on May 17th in conjunction with MBA’s Secondary and Capital Markets Conference. The event will benefit MBA Opens Doors Foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
MCT Finds Refinance Slowdown as Geopolitical Uncertainty Persists
Mortgage Capital Trading, San Diego, said April lock volume reflects a market defined by rate-driven constraints and unresolved geopolitical uncertainty.
CCMS Society’s Philanthropic Committee Launches Annual CCMS Cares: Supporting Families in Need Campaign
Join the CCMS Society’s Philanthropic Committee’s CCMS Cares: Supporting Families in Need campaign at the MBA CRE Servicing Solutions Conference in San Diego, Calif., May 17-20 and make a positive impact for families caring for critically ill or injured children.
AI Is Already Influencing Your Loan Decisions. Is Your Governance Keeping Up?
Ncontracts’ Rafael DeLeon says AI is already a part of your lending operations. “In many cases, it’s also inside your vendors’ systems, running quietly in the background of decisions your organization is ultimately responsible for.”
Urban New Construction Is Scarce, Expensive, and in High Demand, Realtor.com Finds
Realtor.com, Austin, Texas, recently examined construction trends and found a tale of two housing markets: an urban new construction market defined by scarcity and steep premiums and a suburban one marked by stability and competitive pricing.
Redfin: Half of Americans Don’t Want Data Centers in Their Neighborhoods
Redfin, Seattle, found 47% of U.S. residents oppose the construction of AI data centers in their neighborhoods. In contrast, 38% say they support it.