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 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.
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.
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.
The coronavirus outbreak may strike little-known pandemic bonds issued by the World Bank in 2017. Travel restrictions in response to the outbreak may also impact ABS backed by aircraft leases.
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