Fitch: Ratings Pressure Rising for '05, '06 CDOs

Collateralized debt obligations issued in 2005 and 2006 will come under greater ratings pressure as stresses continue in the subprime market because they have substantially larger concentrations of subprime residential mortgage-backed securities, according to Fitch Ratings.Ratings volatility stemming from later-vintage subprime RMBS will likely occur in 12-18 months as the actual loss experience becomes clearer, according to Fitch senior director Derek Miller. "Though 2006 performance will be very poor, Fitch's more immediate concerns focus on near-term ratings volatility that will arise from earlier vintage subprime RMBS," Mr. Miller said. "Negative selection among borrowers due to prepayments is occurring simultaneously with the release of credit enhancement due to RMBS performance triggers passing, against the backdrop of a slowdown in the U.S. housing market." The rating agency can be found online at http://www.fitchratings.com.