After publishing new rating criteria for non-agency MBS, Fitch Ratings upgraded thousands of tranches.

Non-agency MBS issuance hit its highest level since the third quarter of 2007, largely because of surging production of the new generation of Alt A and subprime deals. JPMorgan Chase was the top issuer and top underwriter in the first quarter. (Includes three data tables.)

Experts at the bond giant criticized the random MBS purchases, GSE public offering plans and guarantee-fee reductions.

The Treasury Market Practices Group released a white paper identifying how a change in the ownership structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could impact the broader financial markets.

The New Hampshire Business Finance Authority’s bitcoin-backed municipal bond received preliminary ratings under Moody’s structured finance framework.

RecFi was set to issue a $143.3 million ABS backed by loans for boats and recreational vehicles. The issuer indefinitely postponed the issuance amid volatility in the financial markets.

Combining machine learning techniques with more traditional accounting is making it possible to predict both whether a loan will prepay and when.

Numerous factors are driving down solar ABS performance, including the end of tax breaks.

Recovery rates for ABS tied to prime unsecured consumer loans are converging with those for nonprime loans.

The residential MBS market could see slumping production as interest rates climb and the housing market softens. Non-mortgage ABS issuance started the year strong, while CMBS production declined. (Includes three data tables.)