The coronavirus-triggered lockdown has prompted rating agencies to increase loss expectations for newly issued auto ABS.

When it comes to pandemic-related bailouts, the Fed is running the table. But the mortgage industry would like to hear something concrete on servicer liquidity.

Securitization of vehicle finance was the strongest component in the ABS market as new issuance rose 40.2% from the fourth quarter. Auto ABS are likely to be among the first to reemerge from the pandemic collapse. (Includes two data charts.)

A $200 million ABS backed by oil and gas assets closed this week while presale reports were published for four auto-backed transactions.

Following pressure from industry participants and lawmakers, the Federal Reserve added legacy commercial MBS and CLOs to the TALF. Industry is hoping that eventually non-QM assets might be covered.

When issuance of non-agency MBS and ABS resumes, issuers will face tougher standards from rating services due to the coronavirus.

Ginnie Mae temporarily waives in-person signatures and takes other precautions in response to the pandemic.

During the 2008 financial crisis, investors in non-agency MBS sought repurchases from issuers, citing faulty underwriting and disclosures. A similar surge in putbacks could be on the way for the auto ABS market.

The performance of MBS and ABS looks likely to suffer, with delinquencies projected to increase and rating downgrades a possibility.