Summary Box: Fed officials divided over when to sell mortgage assets, tightening credit

Summary Box: Mortgage sale details divide Fed

LOTS OF VIEWS: Federal Reserve officials at their April meeting were divided over when the Fed should start shedding some of its vast portfolio of mortgage securities. There’s also the challenge of doing it in a way that doesn’t jack up mortgage rates.

FAST OR SLOW? Most said they liked a gradual pace that would complete sales over five years. Others wanted a faster approach over three years.

WHY IT MATTERS: Selling the mortgage securities would tighten credit. It would sop up some of money pumped into the economy during the financial crisis.