The rating service proposed more closely aligning its criteria for rating U.S. residential MBS with how it assesses residential MBS in other countries. The likely result: no downgrades and many upgrades.

DSCR and investor loans are seeing strong interest from investors due to the housing market and new rating methodologies.

Goldman Sachs analysts said investments in MBS and ABS are looking good heading into 2025.

Hodgepodge of non-agency MBS; new commercial MBS tied to Rockefeller Center; limit-order option for lenders looking to sell into TBA MBS; Moody’s downgrades MBS issued by IndyMac in 1997.

Non-agency MBS issuance was up in the third quarter thanks to strong gains in prime and expanded-credit MBS. Home equity and short-term business-purpose loan deals also gained momentum. (Includes three data tables.)

The Blackstone Group wants to make its mark in the non-QM arena and has hired away an executive from Annaly’s Onslow Bay unit.

Non-agency MBS issuers typically ensure properties in the deal are damage free. That standard can be difficult to achieve if a hurricane strikes while the deal is still in the works.

Issuance of non-agency MBS backed by scratch-and-dent mortgages to date this year has surpassed issuance through all of 2023.

Deals rated by Moody’s successfully navigated the end of LIBOR reporting; vintage MBS wrapped by MBIA downgraded; GSEs, Ginnie increase MBS disclosures; ICE offers emissions estimates for MBS; new TBA trading app from South Street Securities.

Delinquencies on securitized non-QMs are increasing. But market participants believe there is so much credit enhancement on the deals, plus home equity, that it’s a non-issue for now.