The Lede

Washington Post, May 9, 2019--Kathy OrtonConcerns about the U.S.-China trade feud pushed mortgage rates lower this week. According to data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average slipped to 4.1 percent with an average 0.5 point. (MBA mention)

National Mortgage News, May 9, 2019--Elina Tarkazikis (subscription)Mortgage lending credit standards loosened a bit last month as investors displayed more interest in non-qualified mortgage and nonagency jumbo loans to stay competitive, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Wall Street Journal, May 9, 2019--Ben Eisen (subscription)Lenders are offering fewer mortgages for cheaper properties even while racing to serve deep-pocketed home buyers.

National Mortgage News, May 9, 2019--Hannah Lang (subscription)The financial services industry welcomed a proposed overhaul of how the Federal Housing Administration identifies False Claims Act violations, but some observers say it remains to be seen if the changes will lure mortgage lenders back to the FHA.

National Mortgage Professional, May 9, 2019--Phil HallA new effort is underway on Capitol Hill to reintroduce the Data Breach Prevention and Compensation Act, which is designed to create a new level of accountability for large credit reporting agencies that were hit with data breaches involving consumer data.

National Mortgage News, May 9, 2019--Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)Ocwen Financial and Fidelity Information Services entered into a settlement agreement over allegations involving a regulatory compliance audit the West Palm Beach, Fla.-based servicer was required to pay for.

Wall Street Journal, May 9, 2019--Erin Ailworth (subscription)As emergency managers prepare for hurricane and wildfire seasons, they say growing development and higher population in vulnerable areas will likely amplify the damage and devastation.

The Mortgage Action Alliance, MBA's free grassroots lobbying network, will hold its fourth annual Action Week May 13-17.