Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have begun placing sizable orders to purchase mortgage-backed securities, stepping into a market roiled by widening bond spreads and a surge in volatility, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.
The government-controlled entities are moving to capitalize on a sharp selloff while expanding their already significant portfolios of bonds and loans, said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. Their efforts follow a directive two months ago from President Donald Trump instructing the companies to acquire $200 billion of MBS as part of a push to drive down mortgage rates and bolster housing affordability.