The Lede

Washington Post, Feb. 7, 2019--Kathy OrtonAccording to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average dropped to 4.41 percent with an average 0.4 point. It was 4.46 percent a week ago and 4.32 percent a year ago. The 30-year fixed rate hasn't been this low since early April. (MBA mention)

Mortgage Orb, Feb. 7, 2019--Patrick BarnardMortgage credit availability increased 2.3% in January compared with December to reach a score of 179.0 on the Mortgage Bankers Association's Mortgage Credit Availability Index.

National Mortgage News, Feb. 7, 2019--Elina Tarkazikis (subscription)Consumers have higher household incomes and more faith in cooling home price and mortgage rate growth than they did a year ago, which could allude to a stabilized housing market in 2019, according to Fannie Mae.

HousingWire, Feb. 7, 2019--Ben LaneEarly Thursday morning, "Wells Fargo" began trending on social media as people complained that they could not get access to their Wells Fargo banking information, use their debit cards, or pay their mortgages.

American Banker, Feb. 7, 2019--Paul Davis (subscription)BB&T finally scored the type of deal it has coveted for nearly two decades--a massive acquisition that puts it one step closer to becoming a top-five bank.

Orange County Register, Feb. 7, 2019--Jeff LazersonFollowing a data breach involving mortgage firms, borrowers are torn between protecting their privacy and divulging data needed to get their loan approved.

Wall Street Journal, Feb. 7, 2019--Lillian Rizzo (subscription)A bankruptcy judge said Thursday he would approve Edward Lampert's bid to purchase Sears Holdings Corp., a decision that will keep the doors open at more than 400 stores and see 45,000 people keep their jobs.