The Lede

Bloomberg, Apr. 3, 2019--Christopher MaloneyHome refinances jumped 39 percent during the week ended March 29, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. With the index now at its highest level since Nov. 11, 2016, it's likely investors will continue to look to protect themselves from rising prepayment speeds.

Buzzfeed, Apr. 3, 2019--Nidhi PrakashBen Carson, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, said he doesn't know why DACA recipients are being turned down for housing loans backed by his agency.

HousingWire, Apr. 3, 2019--Julian HebronIs Zillow big enough to double its lender and realtor lead business while also growing into a lender and an instant-offer firm?

National Mortgage News, Apr. 3, 2019--Hannah Lang (subscription)Acting Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Joseph Otting has authorized Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to contribute to the National Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund, ending a delay in transferring funds that worried affordable housing advocates.

Washington Post, Apr. 3, 2019--Paul KaneThe move, on a pair of largely party-line votes of 51-to-48, will ease the confirmation process for President Trump's nominees to sub-Cabinet positions in federal agencies and speed judicial nominees at the district court level.

American Banker, Apr. 3, 2019--Hannah Lang (subscription)Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., introduced legislation Wednesday that would require executives of large corporations to serve jail time when their companies commit crimes, including for violations of civil law.

MBA Education presents its popular School of Mortgage Banking Course II Apr. 9-12 in San Antonio.