The RMBS rating business nearly ground to a halt in the fourth quarter, but ECM was the place to be in 2022. ABS fared a little better, with business-finance and consumer deals showing relative strength. (Includes two data charts.)

What ails the mortgage market? Answer: high interest rates. But would creating more MBS buyers ease the pain? At this point, it’s an academic equation.

Agency MBS industry insiders recently discussed specified pools, prepayment rates, home price growth and problems with ESG investing.

Questions raised by the Fed prompted big banks to pause CRT issuance. Also, CRT issuance by the GSEs is expected to slow in 2023.

Ginnie Mae is seeking a new executive vice president and chief operating officer, a position that became vacant just last week.

After undertaking drastic leadership changes in December, Chimera is now looking to expand its investments beyond reperforming loans.

FINRA said the implementation of the amended Rule 4210 can’t take place until the SEC formally rescinds a 2022 stay.

There may be a rush to amend CLOs before the June 30 LIBOR transition deadline, according to S&P.

FDIC monitoring commercial MBS performance; MISMO to update ASF data standards; ACC subprime auto ABS servicing update.

After playing defense in 2022, investors appear to be willing to deploy capital even as the MBS and ABS markets face numerous headwinds. Attendance at this week’s SFVegas conference hit a record level.