The Lede

National Mortgage News, May 18, 2018--Elina Tarkazikis (free story)With the Mortgage Bankers Association set to host its National Secondary Market Conference and Expo on Sunday, now's a perfect time to brush up on some key secondary mortgage market terminology.

Wall Street Journal, May 18, 2018--Laura Kusisto, Christina Rexrode (subscription)Mortgage rates this week jumped to their highest level since 2011, signaling a shift from a period of ultracheap loans to a higher-rate environment that could slow home price appreciation and squeeze first-time buyers.

HousingWire, May 18, 2018--Kelsey RamirezBank of America announced Friday release of its artificial intelligence-driven virtual assistant, "Erica," to assist mobile customers with their financial services.

New York Times, May 18, 2018--Kate KellyIn recent weeks, Lloyd Blankfein has quietly laid the groundwork to step down late this year. His exit will likely take place in conjunction with the firm's annual dinner for retired partners in December, sources said.

UExpress, May 18, 2018--Lew SichelmanSeniors who are house-rich but cash-poor, or who fear running out of money in their retirement years, have several options to save the day.

HousingWire, May 18, 2018--Ben LaneHUD announced late Friday afternoon that it is "withdrawing a computer assessment tool originally intended to be helpful to local governments in meeting their obligations under the Fair Housing Act to ‘affirmatively further fair housing.'"

Mortgage Daily, May 18, 2018An overwhelming majority of bankers say the Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage rules have reduced available real estate credit. But the level of severity is diminishing.

Mortgage Daily, May 18, 2018Navy Federal Credit Union boosted its quarterly home lending volume from a year ago. The firm's mortgage servicing portfolio continued to grow.

Bloomberg, May 21, 2018--Benjamin Bain, Jesse Hamilton (subscription)In their coming overhaul, the Federal Reserve and other regulators are expected to address Wall Street's grievances against the Volcker Rule on hedging against losses.

Reuters, May 21, 2018--Nikhil SubbaU.S. regional bank Fifth Third Bancorp on Monday said it would buy MB Financial Inc in a stock-and-cash deal valued at about $4.7 billion.

HousingWire, May 20, 2018--Sarah WheelerThe mood was upbeat as the Mortgage Bankers Association Secondary Market Conference and Expo kicked off in New York City on Sunday with a panel on executive perspectives, but the message from the first panel contained a warning.