National Mortgage News-

Credit availability is being stifled in part by a fear that lenders will be forced to buy back loans they sell into the secondary market, according to John Stumpf, the chief executive of Wells Fargo.

Speaking at a National Press Club event on Wednesday, Stumpf discussed a range of issues, including the economic outlook and the current strict regulatory environment.

But he spent a considerable chunk of his remarks focused on why housing has not picked up despite a prolonged period of low interest rates. In addition to citing factors including high student loan debt and a tough job market, Stumpf pointed to credit availability as the main culprit.

[NATIONAL MORTGAGE NEWS]