Researchers tracked ratings and defaults on non-agency MBS between 2013 and 2022, finding that Morningstar’s ratings were more conservative than ratings from the big three firms. However, Morningstar’s ratings produced more “false alarms” about potential defaults than the big firms.

Attendance at the ABS East conference hit another record this week, with investors showing strong demand for structured finance products. Issuance is expected to remain elevated, helped by interest rate moves.

Issuance of MBS with non-qualified mortgages is growing even as insurance companies increase their purchases of non-QMs as whole loans. Investor demand for the products looks likely to remain strong.