ABSC Class Downgraded

Class M5 of Asset Backed Securities Corp. mortgage pass-through certificates, series 2003-HE3, has been downgraded from BBB-minus to BB by Fitch Ratings.In addition, Fitch placed the following four ABSC classes on Rating Watch Negative: series 2003-HE2, class M-5; series 2004-HE6, classes M6 and M7; and series 2004-HE8, class M7. Fitch also affirmed the ratings on 184 other classes in 24 ABSC deals. The rating agency attributed the downgrade to a deterioration in the relationship between loss expectations and credit support levels. The watchlist placements were due to "signs of increasing credit risk, posing a potential threat to subordinate bonds," Fitch said.