The Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as Fannie Mae, was created by the U.S. congress in 1938, in order to maintain liquidity and stability in the domestic mortgage market. The company is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE), meaning that while it was a publicly traded company for most of its history, it was still supported by the federal government. While there is no legally binding guarantee of shares in GSEs or their securities, it is generally acknowledged that the U.S. government is highly unlikely to let these enterprises fail. Due to these implicit guarantees, GSEs are able to access financing at a reduced cost of interest. Fannie Mae's main activity is the purchasing of mortgage loans from their originators (banks, mortgage brokers etc.) and packaging them into mortgage-backed securities (MBS) in order to ease the access of U.S. homebuyers to housing credit. The early 2000s U.S. mortgage finance boom During the early 2000s, Fannie Mae was swept up in the U.S. housing boom which eventually led to the financial crisis of 2007-2008. The association's stated goal of increasing access of lower income families to housing finance coalesced with the interests of private mortgage lenders and Wall Street investment banks, who had become heavily reliant on the housing market to drive profits. Private lenders had begun to offer riskier mortgage loans in the early 2000s due to low interest rates in the wake of the "Dot Com" crash and their need to maintain profits through increasing the volume of loans on their books. The securitized products created by these private lenders did not maintain the standards which had traditionally been upheld by GSEs. Due to their market share being eaten into by private firms, however, the GSEs involved in the mortgage markets began to also lower their standards, resulting in a 'race to the bottom'. The fall of Fannie Mae The lowering of lending standards was a key factor in creating the housing bubble, as mortgages were now being offered to borrowers with little or no ability to repay the loans. Combined with fraudulent practices from credit ratings agencies, who rated the junk securities created from these mortgage loans as being of the highest standard, this led directly to the financial panic that erupted on Wall Street beginning in 2007. As the U.S. economy slowed down in 2006, mortgage delinquency rates began to spike. Fannie Mae's losses in the mortgage security market in 2006 and 2007, along with the losses of the related GSE 'Freddie Mac', had caused its share value to plummet, stoking fears that it may collapse. On September 7th 2008, Fannie Mae was taken into government conservatorship along with Freddie Mac, with their stocks being delisted from stock exchanges in 2010. This act was seen as an unprecedented direct intervention into the economy by the U.S. government, and a symbol of how far the U.S. housing market had fallen.

Graph and download economic data for 15-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average in the United States (MORTGAGE15US) from 1991-08-30 to 2025-07-10 about 15-year, fixed, mortgage, interest rate, interest, rate, and USA.

Type of Mortgage Loan:Conventional Mortgage Loans: Backed by private investors and typically require a down payment of 20% or more.Jumbo Loans: Loans that exceed the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.Government-insured Mortgage Loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).Others: Includes non-QM loans, reverse mortgages, and shared equity programs.Mortgage Loan Terms:30-year Mortgage: The most common term, offering low monthly payments but higher overall interest costs.20-year Mortgage: Offers a shorter repayment period and lower long-term interest costs.15-year Mortgage: The shortest term, providing lower interest rates and faster equity accumulation.Others: Includes adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) and balloons loans.Interest Rate:Fixed-rate Mortgage Loan: Offers a stable interest rate over the life of the loan.Adjustable-rate Mortgage Loan (ARM): Offers an initial interest rate that may vary after a certain period, potentially leading to higher or lower monthly payments.Provider:Primary Mortgage Lender: Originates and services mortgages directly to borrowers.Secondary Mortgage Lender: Purchases mortgages from originators and packages them into securities for sale to investors. Key drivers for this market are: Digital platforms and AI-driven credit assessments have simplified the application process, improving accessibility and borrower experience. Potential restraints include: Fluctuations in interest rates significantly impact borrowing costs, affecting loan demand and affordability. Notable trends are: The adoption of online portals and mobile apps is transforming the mortgage process with faster approvals and greater transparency.

Graph and download economic data for Government-Sponsored Enterprises; Total Mortgages Held by Fannie Mae (Includes All GSEs Before 2000:Q4); Asset, Transactions (BOGZ1FA403065015Q) from Q4 1946 to Q1 2025 about fannie mae, GSE, transactions, mortgage, assets, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Government-Sponsored Enterprises; Securitized Multifamily Residential Mortgages Held by Fannie Mae; Asset, Transactions (BOGZ1FA403065463Q) from Q4 1946 to Q1 2025 about fannie mae, GSE, multifamily, securitized, transactions, mortgage, family, residential, assets, and USA.

The global Mortgage-Backed Security market is poised for robust growth, with its market size projected to reach XX million in 2033, driven by a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period 2025-2033. Key drivers fueling this growth include increasing demand for residential and commercial mortgages, government support for housing markets, and the ongoing trend of securitization. However, factors such as rising interest rates, economic uncertainties, and regulatory challenges may pose restraints to market expansion. The market is segmented into types (commercial MBS, residential MBS) and applications (commercial banks, real estate enterprises, trust plans). Residential MBS dominate the market due to the high demand for home loans. Prominent players in the market include Construction Bank, ICBC, and Bank of China, among others. North America and Asia Pacific are expected to be key regional markets, with the US, China, and India driving growth. The study period for this analysis is 2019-2033, with the base year being 2025 and the forecast period extending from 2025 to 2033. Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are financial instruments that are backed by a pool of mortgages. They are typically issued by government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but can also be issued by private banks and investment firms. MBS offer investors a way to invest in the housing market without having to purchase a physical property.

Graph and download economic data for Government-Sponsored Enterprises; Securitized Multifamily Residential Mortgages Held by Fannie Mae; Asset, Transactions (BOGZ1FA403065463A) from 1946 to 2024 about fannie mae, GSE, multifamily, securitized, transactions, mortgage, family, residential, assets, and USA.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today issued its annual report on single-family guarantee fees charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises). Guarantee fees are intended to cover the credit risk and other costs that the Enterprises incur when they acquire single-family loans from lenders. These costs include projected credit losses from borrower defaults over the life of the loans, administrative costs, and a return on capital. The report compares year-over-year 2020 to 2019 and provides statistics back to 2018. Significant findings of the report include: For all loan products combined, the average single-family guarantee fee in 2020 decreased 2 basis points to 54 basis points. The upfront portion of the guarantee fee, which is based on the credit risk attributes (e.g., loan purpose, loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, and credit score), decreased 2 basis points to 11 basis points on average. The ongoing portion of the guarantee fee, which is based on the product type (fixed-rate or adjustable-rate, and loan term), remained unchanged at 43 basis points on average. The average guarantee fee in 2020 on 30-year and 15-year fixed rate loans remained unchanged at 58 basis points and 36 basis points, respectively. The fee on adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans increased 1 basis point to 57 basis points. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 requires FHFA to conduct ongoing studies of the guarantee fees charged by the Enterprises and to submit a report to Congress each year.

Brand performance data collected from AI search platforms for the query "mortgage rate forecast 2025".

Graph and download economic data for Government-Sponsored Enterprises; Total Mortgages Held by Fannie Mae (Includes All GSEs Before 2000:Q4); Asset, Transactions (BOGZ1FA403065015A) from 1946 to 2024 about fannie mae, GSE, transactions, mortgage, assets, and USA.

United States Fannie Mae: Risk Management Derivatives: Net Contractual Interest Expense on Interest-Rate Swaps data was reported at -218.000 USD mn in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of -1.227 USD bn for Dec 2024. United States Fannie Mae: Risk Management Derivatives: Net Contractual Interest Expense on Interest-Rate Swaps data is updated quarterly, averaging -215.000 USD mn from Dec 2011 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 51 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 22.000 USD mn in Dec 2021 and a record low of -2.187 USD bn in Dec 2011. United States Fannie Mae: Risk Management Derivatives: Net Contractual Interest Expense on Interest-Rate Swaps data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal National Mortgage Association. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.EB121: Derivatives Fair Value Gains or Losses: Federal National Mortgage Association, Fannie Mae.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is an independent regulatory agency that is not part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The FHFA was established by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) and is responsible for the effective supervision, regulation, and housing mission oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (the Enterprises), Common Securitization Solutions, LLC (CSS), and the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which includes the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) and the Office of Finance. Since 2008, FHFA has also served as conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Conforming Loan Limits are mortgage limits set annually (as required by HERA) by the FHFA. In order for a mortgage loan to be eligible to be insured by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, the loan amount must be less than the loan limit. Mortgage exceeding the Conforming Loan Limit are referred to as "non-conforming loans" or "jumbo loans." While most counties use a single set of Conforming Loan Limits based on the number of units, high cost of living counties use higher Conforming Loan Limits. The FHFA analyzes year-over-year change in average home prices in October of each year using the Monthly Interest Rate Survey (MIRS) to adjust the Conforming Loan Limits for the upcoming year.

Geospatial data in this feature service uses the Census 2010 County geographies.

To learn more about about the FHFA, please visit:https://www.fhfa.gov/AboutUs



For more information about FHFA Conforming Loan Limits, please visit:https://www.fhfa.gov/DataTools/Downloads/Pages/Conforming-Loan-Limits.aspx, for questions about the spatial attribution of this dataset, please reach out to us at GISHelpdesk@hud.gov. 

Date of Coverage: 2022 Data Dictionary:DD_FHFA Conforming Loan Limits

Mortgage Backed Security Market Outlook

The global mortgage-backed security (MBS) market size was valued at approximately $2.1 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.5%. A key driver of this growth is the increasing demand for mortgage-backed securities due to their ability to provide liquidity and diversify investment portfolios. The growth is further stimulated by favorable government policies and increased homeownership rates, which collectively bolster the issuance of new MBS.

One of the primary growth factors for the MBS market is the low-interest-rate environment, which has persisted over recent years. This scenario has encouraged borrowing and refinancing activities, leading to a higher number of mortgages that can be securitized. Moreover, the stability and relatively lower risk associated with MBS compared to other investment vehicles make them an attractive option for institutional investors. Additionally, advancements in financial technology have streamlined the process of bundling and selling these securities, increasing market efficiency.

Another significant factor contributing to the expansion of the MBS market is the role of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. These GSEs guarantee a significant portion of the residential MBS, providing a safety net that minimizes risk for investors. The support from these entities ensures a continuous and reliable flow of investment into the housing sector, which in turn stimulates further securitization of mortgages. Moreover, government policies aimed at bolstering housing finance systems in emerging markets are expected to create additional opportunities for growth.

The diversification of mortgage products, including the rise in demand for commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), is another driving force for the market. Commercial real estate has shown robust growth, and investors are increasingly looking towards CMBS as a way to gain exposure to this sector. The structured nature of these securities, offering tranches with varying risk and return profiles, allows investors to tailor their investment strategies according to their risk tolerance.

In the context of the MBS market, Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) plays a crucial role in facilitating homeownership, especially for borrowers who are unable to provide a substantial down payment. LMI is a type of insurance that protects lenders against the risk of borrower default, allowing them to offer loans with lower down payment requirements. This insurance is particularly significant in markets where home prices are high, and saving for a large deposit is challenging for many potential homeowners. By mitigating the risk for lenders, LMI enables more individuals to enter the housing market, thereby supporting the overall growth of mortgage-backed securities. As a result, LMI not only aids in increasing homeownership rates but also contributes to the liquidity and stability of the housing finance system.

Type Analysis

The mortgage-backed security market is bifurcated into Residential MBS and Commercial MBS. Residential MBS (RMBS) dominate the market due to the larger volume of residential mortgages compared to commercial ones. RMBS are typically backed by residential loans, including home mortgages, and are considered less risky. They offer a steady income stream to investors through mortgage payments made by homeowners. The demand for RMBS is bolstered by the high rate of homeownership and the continuous flow of new mortgages.

On the other hand, Commercial MBS (CMBS) are seeing increased traction due to their attractive yields and the growth of the commercial real estate sector. CMBS are backed by loans on commercial properties such as office buildings, retail centers, and hotels. They offer investors exposure to the commercial property market, which is often less correlated with the residential real estate market, providing an additional layer of diversification. The complexity and higher risk associated with CMBS attract sophisticated investors looking for higher returns.

Within RMBS, the market is further segmented into agency RMBS and non-agency RMBS. Agency RMBS are guaranteed by GSEs, making them more secure and attractive to risk-averse investors. Non-agency RMBS, though not backed by GSEs, offer higher yields and are appealing to investors with a higher risk appetite. The interplay betw

Graph and download economic data for Government-Sponsored Enterprises; Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities and Other Asset-Backed Agency- and GSE-Backed Securities Held by Fannie Mae (Includes All GSE Agency- and GSE-Backed Securities Before 2000:Q4); Asset, Transactions (BOGZ1FA403061913A) from 1946 to 2024 about fannie mae, asset-backed, GSE, mortgage-backed, agency, transactions, securities, assets, and USA.

FHFA House Price IndexThe FHFA House Price Index (FHFA HPI®) is a comprehensive​ collection of publicly available house price indexes that measure changes in single-family home values based on data that extend back to the mid-1970s from all 50 states and over 400 American cities. The FHFA HPI incorporates tens of millions of home sales and offers insights about house price fluctuations at the national, census division, state, metro area, county, ZIP code, and census tract levels. FHFA uses a fully transparent methodology based upon a weighted, repeat-sales statistical technique to analyze house price transaction data.What does the FHFA HPI represent?The FHFA HPI is a broad measure of the movement of single-family house prices. The FHFA HPI is a weighted, repeat-sales index, meaning that it measures average price changes in repeat sales or refinancings on the same properties. This information is obtained by reviewing repeat mortgage transactions on single-family properties whose mortgages have been purchased or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac since January 1975.The FHFA HPI serves as a timely, accurate indicator of house price trends at various geographic levels. Because of the breadth of the sample, it provides more information than is available in other house price indexes. It also provides housing economists with an improved analytical tool that is useful for estimating changes in the rates of mortgage defaults, prepayments and housing affordability in specific geographic areas.

MBS Market Outlook

The global mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market size was valued at approximately $2.5 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach around $3.8 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%. This growth is driven by factors such as increasing demand for diversified investment products, the stability of real estate markets in key regions, and the rising involvement of government-sponsored entities in the securitization process.

One of the primary growth factors of the MBS market is the increasing demand for investment diversification. Investors are continually on the lookout for stable yet lucrative investment opportunities, and MBS provides a unique avenue by offering a relatively safer investment backed by real estate assets. The combination of regular income streams and the potential for capital appreciation makes MBS an attractive option for both institutional and retail investors. Furthermore, the growing sophistication of financial markets globally ensures better transparency and understanding of MBS products, thereby boosting investor confidence.

Another significant growth factor is the stability and growth of the real estate market, particularly in developed regions such as North America and Europe. As the real estate market continues to show robust growth, the underlying assets backing these securities become more valuable and stable, thus enhancing the attractiveness of MBS. Additionally, favorable regulatory frameworks in these regions have facilitated the smooth functioning and growth of the MBS market. Government regulations often play a pivotal role in providing the necessary safeguards and ensuring market stability, which in turn attracts more investors.

The increasing involvement of government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae in the United States has also significantly contributed to the growth of the MBS market. These entities not only provide a level of security and credibility but also ensure a steady supply of MBS products in the market. Their active participation helps in maintaining market liquidity and provides a safety net for investors, making the MBS market more resilient to economic downturns. Additionally, similar government-backed initiatives in other regions are expected to drive the market further in the coming years.

From a regional perspective, North America remains the largest market for MBS, driven primarily by the well-established real estate and financial markets in the United States. The presence of major market players and a favorable regulatory environment further solidify its leading position. Europe follows closely, with increasing investments in real estate and government initiatives to boost the financial markets. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate, owing to rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and favorable government policies aimed at boosting the housing sector. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions are also expected to show steady growth, driven by improving economic conditions and increasing investment activities.

Type Analysis

The MBS market can be segmented by type into Residential MBS (RMBS) and Commercial MBS (CMBS). Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) are typically backed by residential real estate properties. These securities are attractive to investors due to the low default rates associated with residential properties. The demand for RMBS is particularly high in regions with stable and growing residential real estate markets, such as North America and Europe. The growing trend of homeownership, along with favorable mortgage rates, has significantly contributed to the growth of the RMBS segment. Additionally, the increasing availability of data and analytics has improved the risk assessment associated with RMBS, making it a more attractive investment option.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) are backed by commercial real estate properties, such as office buildings, shopping malls, and hotels. The performance of CMBS is closely tied to the health of the commercial real estate market. With the recovery of the global economy post the COVID-19 pandemic, the commercial real estate market has shown significant signs of recovery, thereby boosting the demand for CMBS. Investors are increasingly looking at CMBS as a means to diversify their portfolios, given the attractive yields and potential for capital appreciation. Moreover, the increasing trend of mixed-use developments and smart cities is expected to drive the demand for CMBS in the coming years.&

Graph and download economic data for Agency-and GSE-Backed Mortgage Pools; Total Mortgages Held in a Fannie Mae Pool; Asset, Transactions (BOGZ1FA413065045A) from 1946 to 2024 about GSE-Backed, fannie mae, transactions, mortgage, assets, and USA.

The FHFA House Price Index (FHFA HPI®) is the nation’s only collection of public, freely available house price indexes that measure changes in single-family home values based on data from all 50 states and over 400 American cities that extend back to the mid-1970s. The FHFA HPI incorporates tens of millions of home sales and offers insights about house price fluctuations at the national, census division, state, metro area, county, ZIP code, and census tract levels. FHFA uses a fully transparent methodology based upon a weighted, repeat-sales statistical technique to analyze house price transaction data. ​ What does the FHFA HPI represent? The FHFA HPI is a broad measure of the movement of single-family house prices. The FHFA HPI is a weighted, repeat-sales index, meaning that it measures average price changes in repeat sales or refinancings on the same properties. This information is obtained by reviewing repeat mortgage transactions on single-family properties whose mortgages have been purchased or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac since January 1975.

The FHFA HPI serves as a timely, accurate indicator of house price trends at various geographic levels. Because of the breadth of the sample, it provides more information than is available in other house price indexes. It also provides housing economists with an improved analytical tool that is useful for estimating changes in the rates of mortgage defaults, prepayments and housing affordability in specific geographic areas.

U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency, All-Transactions House Price Index for Connecticut [CTSTHPI], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CTSTHPI, August 2, 2023.

Graph and download economic data for Agency-and GSE-Backed Mortgage Pools; Total Mortgages Held in a Fannie Mae Pool; Asset, Transactions (BOGZ1FA413065045Q) from Q4 1946 to Q1 2025 about GSE-Backed, fannie mae, transactions, mortgage, assets, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Government-Sponsored Enterprises; Mortgage-Backed Securities and Other Asset-Backed Bonds Held by Fannie Mae (Includes All GSE Corporate and Foreign Bonds Before 2000:Q4); Asset, Transactions (BOGZ1FA403063613Q) from Q4 1946 to Q3 2021 about transactions, fannie mae, GSE, asset-backed, mortgage-backed, foreign, bonds, securities, assets, and USA.