CitiMortgage MBS Classes Downgraded

Eight classes from two issues of CitiMortgage Alternative Loan Trust mortgage pass-through certificates have been downgraded by Fitch Ratings.The downgrades were as follows: series 2006-A5 and 2006-A7, B2 classes, from A to A-minus; B3 classes, from BBB to BB-plus; B4 classes, from BB to B; and B5 classes, from B to CCC/DR2. Fitch also affirmed the ratings on four classes from the two transactions. The downgrades reflect deterioration in the relationship between credit enhancement and expected losses, the rating agency said. The collateral for the deals consists of fixed-rate alternative-A mortgage loans.