Investors in the ABS market are mostly staying on the sidelines waiting for the coronavirus volatility to play itself out. Meanwhile, some investors are focusing solely on AAA-rated assets.
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.
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.
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