The Lede

MarketWatch, July 31, 2017--Andrea RiquierFederal policy meant to stabilize the financial system and housing market has worsened inequality, with particularly damaging implications for the housing market, a new report argues.

CNBC, July 31, 2017--Jeff CoxIn a speech Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer said low interest rates send "a powerful signal that the growth potential of the economy may be limited."

Wall Street Journal, July 31, 2017--Yuka Hayashi (subscription)Acting Comptroller of the Currency Keith Noreika said Monday he wouldn't seek to delay a new rule on arbitration agreements, skirting a showdown with another agency.

National Mortgage News, July 31, 2017--Thomas P. Vartanian (subscription)There can realistically be only muted hope that today's Congress, nine years after the conservatorships started, will agree on a feasible strategy to unwind Fannie and Freddie and replace them with a viable alternative. Washington is too divided; the chances of a bipartisan bill are still in question.

HousingWire, July 31, 2017--Brena SwansonIndustry rumors are nearing a boiling point on whether or not Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray will leave the bureau to run for Ohio governor; be it through resignation or termination.

Associated Press, July 31, 2017--Rob HarrisLos Angeles has reached an agreement with international Olympic leaders that will open the way for the city to host the 2028 Summer Games.

Scotsman Guide, July 31, 2017--Victor Whitman"Having given the market plenty of notice that they would begin shrinking their balance-sheet holdings of Treasurys and MBS this year, ... they have now indicated their intention to slow reinvestments in their securities portfolio ‘relatively soon,'" said Mike Fratantoni, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Mortgage Daily, July 31, 2017Mortgage servicing continued to expand at Quicken, growing from $251.0 billion as of March 31 and $215.0 billion from a year ago. During the three months ended June 30, Quicken closed $19.6 billion in residential loans.

Mortgage Daily, July 31, 2017Over the past three months, customer demand for agency mortgages was stronger, according to the Federal Reserve.

National Mortgage News, July 31, 2017--Ian McKendry (subscription)After a grueling defeat for their health care bill last week, Senate Republicans are expected to turn to other priorities, including attempting to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule banning mandatory arbitration clauses.

HousingWire, July 31, 2017--Ben LaneAccording to details provided by the bank, the $444 million offering is backed by 668 jumbo prime (75%) and high-balance conforming (25%) mortgages.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's Accounting/Financial Management Conference 2017 takes place Nov. 13-15 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio.

This year's Mortgage Bankers Association's Annual Convention & Expo, taking place Oct. 22-25 in Denver, welcomes Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend for ConcertMBA.

This year's Mortgage Bankers Association's Annual Convention & Expo, taking place Oct. 22-25 in Denver, welcomes Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend for ConcertMBA.

This year's Mortgage Bankers Association's Annual Convention & Expo, taking place Oct. 22-25 in Denver, welcomes Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend for ConcertMBA.