The new year has arrived and along with it a bond market rally that’s causing interest rates to fall, sparking hope that first-quarter mortgage originations and securitizations might turn out to be better than anticipated.

A new regulation set by the European Union for MBS and ABS issuance took effect at the start of the year. Though the rules don’t directly apply to U.S.-based deals, issuers here might have to comply if they want European investors to buy into their bonds.

DBRS continued to rank as the most active rating servicing in non-agency MBS as of the end of the third quarter, with S&P Global leading the industry in ABS ratings, according to a new ranking by Inside MBS & ABS. [Includes two data charts.]

The supply of single-family non-agency MBS continued to decline in the third quarter of 2018, but the sector may be nearing a turnaround point, according to a new Inside MBS & ABS analysis of outstanding mortgage securities. [Includes two data charts.]

With more lenders eyeing the non-qualified mortgage sector for entry in 2019, the deal volume for non-agency MBS could pick up significantly in the quarters ahead.

Issuance volume and lending practices in the prime non-agency mortgage-backed security market in 2019 will be linked in several ways to the government-sponsored enterprises, according to industry analysts. Volume projections for prime non-agency MBS depend on pricing differences between non-agency execution and delivery of loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Non-agency lenders are also expected to increasingly use tools developed by the GSEs. “We expect robust issuance from ...

With 2018 winding down, issuers of non-agency mortgage-backed securities introduced two new deals this week. Neuberger Berman is set to issue its second expanded credit MBS of the year while Verus Mortgage Capital is planning its second deal backed by nonprime loans for investment properties. Neuberger Berman’s Homeward Opportunities Fund I Trust 2018-2 will be a $320.1 million deal and Verus Securitization Trust 2018-INV2 will be a $254.8 million issuance. Sprout Mortgage ...

The spreads on newly issued non-agency MBS have widened in recent months, indicating weak-er demand from investors. The pricing trends follow sharp increases in issuance this year, with analysts suggesting there may not be enough investors to absorb new production.

Lawyers for issuers of non-agency MBS are revising deal documents and considering choosing a different state for issuance after an unfavorable ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals.

The strong demand for non-agency mortgage-backed securities this year looks to be tied to a number of factors, according to industry analysts. ICE Data Services, a firm that tracks non-agency MBS prices, noted that the sector has been helped by large settlements involving legacy non-agency MBS. And investors are more comfortable with the legal liability associated with non-qualified mortgages, prompting significant securitization of the loans. Issuers are also experimenting with ...