Jeff Sprecher, CEO of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), has acquired home loan servicing and data analytics provider Black Knight for $11.9 billion, aiming to revolutionize the mortgage industry by streamlining and digitizing the loan process. With the integration of Black Knight into ICE's existing mortgage technology, Sprecher plans to provide homeowners with real-time data on their property values, access to the best loan products, and constant updates on refinancing options. The goal is to create a low-cost, digitized platform that reduces the average cost of securing a mortgage and shortens the time from origination to closing. Additionally, the platform aims to empower lenders with greater marketing reach and borrowers with immediate access to the best deals, fostering loyalty and lowering costs for consumers.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has requested the dismissal of its lawsuit against Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) regarding the proposed $11.7 billion acquisition of data vendor Black Knight. The companies and the FTC have jointly filed a request to dismiss the lawsuit as they negotiate a settlement to close the deal. The FTC had previously expressed concerns about the deal, citing potential increased costs for consumers and reduced innovation in the mortgage data market. Black Knight has responded to these concerns by agreeing to sell its Optimal Blue business for $700 million. The parties involved aim to reach mutually acceptable terms by August 25.
The housing market is approaching an inflection point as home prices are expected to sharply increase, according to Black Knight. After five consecutive months of gains, home prices have reversed the pullback that began last July. While prices are currently down 0.1% on a year-over-year basis, Black Knight anticipates a significant upward trend in the coming months. The housing market's resurgence is widespread, with many markets reaching or surpassing their previous price peaks. However, housing supply remains tight, and affordability is a concern due to high mortgage rates and rising costs. The Federal Reserve faces the challenge of achieving a "soft landing" without reigniting inflation.
Netflix's new action series, Black Knight, is a postapocalyptic story set 40 years after a comet collided with the Earth, turning the Korean peninsula into a desert. The story follows the couriers who deliver food and oxygen to people's homes, risking their lives for the good of society. The show presents a distinct take on our climate change-fueled future, with a mix of Mad Max and Death Stranding. While it gets off track at times, Black Knight is a blast to watch with great action and a strong cast of characters.
US home prices rose 0.45% in March from February, marking the strongest single-month gain since last May, according to Black Knight. The firm also revised February’s monthly growth in prices higher to 0.43% from 0.16%, and reversed its previously reported 0.13% decline in January to a 0.13% month-over-month gain. The uptick in home prices is another troubling development for buyers, who are already facing acute inventory shortages and higher mortgage rates as they reenter the market.
According to Black Knight Home Price Index, 93 of the nation's 100 largest housing markets saw a month-over-month home price increase in March, while just seven saw a decrease. The biggest one-month gains were found in Midwestern and East Coast markets, while the sharpest one-month declines could be found in Western and Southwestern markets. While some firms believe this marks the bottom for national house prices, others think prices will fall again once we're out of the peak homebuying season. Affordability remains a concern, and 53 housing markets ended March at a price that remains below their 2022 peak price.
