Much like in other parts of the MBS and ABS markets, spreads are widening on CRT issuance from the GSEs, prompting some changes in activity at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Angel Oak Director Robert McDonough noted the difficulties in pricing climate risks into securities. However, once investors can more actively analyze risks, residential MBS loan pools are likely to change, he said.
Lower origination levels continue to impact agency MBS trading volume. Meanwhile, credit quality fears are starting to gain traction in some quarters of the industry.
Spreads on various types of residential MBS are wider than they were during the early days of the pandemic, suggesting that the assets aren’t particularly attractive to investors. However, that isn’t necessarily true.
Litigation-finance ABS, backed by advances made to injured individuals in litigation, allow plaintiffs to press for larger settlement payouts from insurance companies.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac plan to resume bulk acquisitions of seasoned mortgages from lenders. However, the purchases will be focused on smaller lenders.