Asset Backed Securities

2023 proved to be a second year where European ABS gave investors the strongest returns in fixed income with the benefit of very low volatility. As risk-free rates grew to what we expect to be the peak, income was maximised whilst the various market pivots on rates came and went in the rear view mirror.

After a horrible year for financial markets in 2022, the macro-outlook for 2023 had a lot of consensus views, with most predicting a much better year ahead, helped by supportive rate cuts from central banks and positive returns from both government bonds and credit.  

There has been a noticeable pick up in the European ABS new issuance market this year, with demand far outstripping supply. John Lawler looks at what makes a UK RMBS deal ‘Prime’, and why not all deals are the same.

Given the current macro environment, Pauline Quirin believes loans with near term maturities provide a useful insight into where risk lie.

With commercial real estate continuing to suffer the effects of the COVID pandemic and inflation, Elena Rinaldi looks at one CMBS transaction highlighting the challenges facing the asset class.

With Norinchukin Bank reportedly looking again at CLOs, Aza Teeuwen looks at the potential impact the return of the one of the market’s biggest buyers might have on spreads.

Strong performance across markets in January has left some investors feeling they’ve missed out on the rally in bonds. No need to worry, says Felipe Villarroel.

While yields have soared in recent months and created a broad buying opportunity in fixed income, Aza Teeuwen says investors should look at floating rate bonds to benefit from higher coupons today.

TwentyFour Partner and Portfolio Manager, Douglas Charleston, describes the developments of the ABS market in Q4 2022.

European ABS is enjoying a spurt of new issuance and a parallel rally in spreads, with investors having entered the new year with cash to invest and buoyed by renewed hope around inflation and monetary policy, says Pauline Quirin.

In the second instalment of a two-part blog on the UK housing market, Shilpa Pathak stress tests UK RMBS to determine how high mortgage defaults would have to get before bondholders are impacted.

Higher rates mean the income available on AAA RMBS bonds is eight times what it was at the start of this year, and growing demand for this floating rate asset class is clear, says Kevin Law.