Fitch has proposed adjustments to its non-agency MBS rating criteria that would levy penalties related to natural disaster risk. The impact of the proposal will largely be offset by other adjustments, according to the rating service.

Chase and Chimera are set to issue separate non-agency MBS backed by mortgages for investment properties, following similar deals from a handful of other firms.

An affiliate of Angelo Gordon plans to enter the non-agency MBS market with a deal backed by non-QMs. Western Asset Management priced one of the largest expanded-credit MBS and more deals are in the works.

An affiliate of American Mortgage Investment Partners Management is set to issue its second non-agency MBS backed solely by loans originated by Visio Financial Services.

Issuance of prime non-agency MBS has slowed significantly. A pending deal from Wells Fargo is only the second issuance of 2Q19, though industry participants suggest that demand from investors is increasing.

Issuance of expanded-credit products has grown significantly in the past year even though spreads on non-qualified MBS widened.

Issuance of expanded-credit mortgage-backed securities hit $5.97 billion in the first quarter of 2019, a record for the sector. It also topped prime non-agency MBS volume for the third consecutive quarter.