Mark Palim, Fannie Mae’s chief economist, brings deep expertise in analyzing key financial indicators that influence the housing and mortgage markets and the broader U.S. economy. He leads strategic initiatives that assess the potential impact of external forces on the housing industry, including pioneering the company’s first exploration of natural disasters and their effects on housing. He is a trusted resource for stakeholders and a sought-after speaker on economic trends at national mortgage finance and housing events.
Palim plays a critical role in equipping decision-makers across the housing sector with a data-driven understanding of market trends, providing insights through economic forecasts and housing market analyses that shape industry strategies. He leads Fannie Mae’s award-winning macroeconomic and housing forecast teams and is instrumental in building the company’s foundational research function, examining key industry topics such as demographic changes, housing affordability and disaster impacts. Their work has contributed to significant initiatives, including the closing costs calculator and the Mission Index. In 2024, the team updated Fannie Mae’s demographic projections and co-hosted a workshop on shifting housing demand with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Since joining Fannie Mae in 2009, Palim has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities. Under his leadership, the Economic and Strategic Research Group has become a leading source of economic insight, providing data-backed analysis that informs policymakers, lenders and investors. His team’s work has received industry recognition, including the Lawrence R. Klein Award for Blue Chip Forecast Accuracy and the NABE Outlook Award. Through his leadership, Palim continues to shape the future of housing finance.
Name:
Mark Palim
Title:
Chief Economist and Senior Vice President
Company Name:
Fannie Mae
