Economists, policy analysts, and other researchers within OFHEO’s Office of Policy Analysis and Research (OPAR) engage in a wide array of research activities. OPAR’s research focuses on monitoring and understanding changes in mortgage markets, broader financial markets, measurement and management of financial risks, financial regulation, and other public policies, and assessing the likely effects on the Enterprises of those and other developments. Research efforts also aim to improve the tools OFHEO uses to monitor the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and to enhance the value and reliability of the information OFHEO provides to the public. For example, research efforts have explored ways of improving the timeliness and accuracy of OFHEO’s quarterly House Price Index.

OPAR researchers field questions from other government agencies, industry practitioners, and members of the general public. OPAR’s formal research is disseminated in reports, papers, and presentations. The reports and research that can be made available to the public are posted on the OFHEO website.