DBRS and Fitch grew their RMBS market share in the fourth quarter as total issuance surged. S&P held on as the top ABS rating service in a slow year. (Includes two data charts.)
The Fed is taking steps to boost the market for agency MBS and certain sectors of the ABS market, while non-agency MBS isn't receiving direct relief. The Structured Finance Association called for an expansion of the new TALF.
Investor demand for non-QMs plummeted in recent weeks due to fallout from the coronavirus. Some non-QM lenders have stopped originating loans and others are repricing their products.
Issuance of non-agency MBS and ABS is still being completed, but at a slower pace. Spreads have widened for new deals along with trading in the secondary market.
A longer statute of limitation and increased disclosure requirements could help attract long-term investors in the MBS and ABS market, industry experts recommend.
If the non-agency MBS market wants to avoid harsh regulations, it should seriously consider self-governance as an option, the Structured Finance Association believes.
The SEC’s Office of Credit Ratings is exploring how it can address conflicts of interest in ratings of MBS and ABS. An increase in performance-related disclosures and boosting unsolicited ratings are being considered.
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