In brief

Base Rate prediction provides mixed message.

Research by Mortgage Express, has revealed brokers are split over whether rates will change at the next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

53 per cent of respondents expected a rate hold, while 47 per cent expect rates to rise.

AMI launches ‘Pension Term Assurance’ factsheet

The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has launched a factsheet on ‘Pension Term Assurance (PTA).

The factsheet has been launched to inform AMI members about the opportunities for arranging PTA, which have arisen as a result of the pension simplification changes which came into effect on 6 April 2006.

The changes allow mortgage intermediaries who hold general insurance mediation permissions to provide access to PTA under ICOB rules.

GMAC-RFC confirms portfolio sale

GMAC-RFC has announced its seventh portfolio sale to Amber Home Loans. This £246 million deal comprises of a blended pool of prime, buy-to-let and self-certification mortgages.

Confirming the portfolio sale, Craig Beresford, director of asset sales at GMAC-RFC, said: “Amber is a long-standing trading partner of GMAC-RFC and has significantly contributed to the success of our portfolio sales and purchase programmes.”