Securitization of expanded-credit mortgages was the only non-agency sector to see increased issuance during the tumultuous second quarter of 2020. Jumbo and scratch-and-dent production fell sharply from the first quarter. (Includes two data charts.)
Rating services are requiring higher credit enhancement levels and taking negative actions on outstanding deals due to problems stemming from the coronavirus. Fitch finalized new criteria for residential MBS late last week.
Demand for non-agency MBS has increased significantly in recent weeks after investors fled the market in late March and April. Issuance has been driven by somewhat seasoned non-qualified mortgages.
Arbor Realty Trust issued a $727.2 million non-agency multifamily MBS. For the most part, these deals are uncommon because the GSEs dominate the market.
After non-agency MBS issuance all but froze in March, issuers are beginning to return to the market. Neuberger Berman issued a non-QM MBS this week and others are working on deals as well.