February Default Rates Up

Composite consumer default rates rose in February, the S&P/Experian Consumer Credit Default Indices reported yesterday.

First American: Defects Surge as Mortgage Rates Rise

First American Financial Corp., Santa Ana, Calif., said increased shares of higher-risk purchase transactions and the potential for more adjustable-rate mortgages amid the expected strong spring market means mortgage lenders should remain watchful for defect and fraud risk.