The Fed’s Heavy Hand on Equitable Housing

Under Director Thompson, FHFA’s top policy priority is equitable housing.  However, a ground-breaking study from Fed staff shows that FHFA is swimming upstream when the Fed raises rates.  Combined with our own research showing that ultra-low rates also accelerate inequitable housing, the best FHFA can do to help lenders reach LMI borrowers is tread water – better than sinking, but still hard work getting pretty much nowhere.

GSE-012323.pdf