Intercontinental Exchange Inc. - ICE STOCK NEWS

In September 2020, interest rates for loans reached a historic low of 3.00%, down from 3.09% in August, according to the Origination Insight Report by Ellie Mae, now part of ICE Mortgage Technology. VA loans saw rates drop to 2.78%, while FHA loans fell to 3.01%. Refinances accounted for 58% of closed loans, with purchase loans at 42%. Although the average FICO score rose to 753, closing rates slightly decreased. The rising interest rates present opportunities for homeowners to lower payments.

MERSCORP Holdings, now ICE Mortgage Technology, announced record registrations for the MERS eRegistry, driven by high industry origination volumes and a shift toward digital mortgage solutions. From January to September 2020, 286,403 eNotes were registered, surpassing the total for all of 2019. The proportion of electronic to paper notes increased from 3% in January to 6% in October. This growth reflects the industry's transition towards digital mortgages, enhancing consumer experience and reducing costs for lenders.

Ellie Mae, part of Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE), highlights the importance of data and analytics for mortgage lenders amid low interest rates. A new eBook examines how lenders can enhance efficiency, control costs, and grow their businesses through data-driven decisions. Research indicates a significant gap in data strategy, with 39% of lenders unaware of their analytics spending. While larger lenders are more likely to have defined strategies, only 3% reach prescriptive analytics. The potential for increased profitability and improved customer satisfaction is emphasized as lenders adapt to a competitive market.

Ellie Mae, now ICE Mortgage Technology, has announced the opening of registration for the Experience 2021 conference, set to take place from March 8-26, 2021. This online event aims to bring together over 5,000 mortgage professionals to discuss digital mortgage solutions, enhancing efficiencies, and lowering origination costs.

Key sessions will cover current trends, technology innovations, and training opportunities, featuring industry leaders like Joe Tyrrell and Sarah Thomas. Attendees can participate in breakout sessions and Q&As to maximize their engagement and learning.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) has announced plans to launch ICE Futures Abu Dhabi (IFAD) and the world’s first futures contracts for Murban crude oil, pending regulatory approvals. The launch is expected by late Q1 2021. IFAD aims to enhance trading opportunities with a range of cash-settled derivatives and physically delivered contracts at Fujairah, UAE. The contracts will be cleared at ICE Clear Europe, promoting capital efficiencies alongside major global oil benchmarks.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) reported significant increases in trading volume for September and Q3 2020. Highlights include a 10% year-over-year rise in energy open interest and remarkable growth in specific commodity averages, such as heating oil, with an average daily volume surge of 184% y/y. European natural gas open interest also saw a 37% y/y growth. The company continues to focus on delivering actionable information and enabling efficient trading for its customers amidst a challenging market environment.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) has launched a beta version of its GBP ICE Swap Rate® for SONIA swaps. This new offering includes daily indicative settings ranging from one to 30 years and follows positive market feedback on previous consultations by ICE Benchmark Administration (IBA). The beta settings are intended for evaluation and feedback purposes only, and IBA will determine when these can be used as benchmarks in financial instruments. The initiative supports the transition to alternative rates in the financial market.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) announced that ICE Clear Europe has been recognized by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) as a third country central counterparty under the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). This recognition will be effective once the transition arrangement between the UK and EU concludes. Currently, ICE Clear Europe clears around four million contracts daily across various asset classes, playing a crucial role in limiting counterparty credit risk.