Fitch Downgrades Various Distressed U.S. RMBS Bonds to 'Dsf'

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings has downgraded 489 distressed bonds in 291 U.S. RMBS transactions to 'Dsf'. The downgrades indicate that the bonds have incurred a principal write-down. Of the bonds downgraded to 'Dsf', all classes were previously rated 'Csf' or 'CCsf'. All ratings below 'Bsf' indicate a default is expected. As part of this review, the Recovery Estimates of the defaulted bonds were not revised. Additionally, the review only focused on the bonds which defaulted and did not include any other bonds in the affected transactions.

Of the 489 classes affected by these downgrades, 227 are Alt-A, 187 are Prime and 62 are Subprime. The remaining transaction types are other sectors. The majority of the bonds (51%) have a Recovery Estimate of 50% - 90%, which indicates that the bonds will recover 50% - 90% of the current outstanding balance, while 31% have a Recovery Estimate of 0%.

A spreadsheet detailing Fitch's rating actions can be found at 'www.fitchratings.com' by performing a title search for 'Fitch Downgrades 489 Distressed Bonds to 'Dsf' in 291 U.S. RMBS Transactions'. These actions were reviewed by a committee of Fitch analysts. The spreadsheet provides the contact information for the performance analyst.

The spreadsheet also details Fitch's assignment of Recovery Estimates (REs) to the transactions. The Recovery Estimate scale is based upon the expected relative recovery characteristics of an obligation. For structured finance, Recovery Estimates are designed to estimate recoveries on a forward-looking basis.

Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. The ratings above were solicited by, or on behalf of, the issuer, and therefore, Fitch has been compensated for the provision of the ratings.

Applicable Criteria & Related Research:

--'Global Structured Finance Rating Criteria' (Aug. 4, 2011);

--'Structured Finance Recovery Estimates for Distressed Securities' (Nov. 18, 2011).

Applicable Criteria and Related Research: Fitch Downgrades 489 Distressed Bonds to ￢ﾀﾘDsf￢ﾀﾙ in 291 U.S. RMBS Transactions

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=668990

Global Structured Finance Rating Criteria

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=646569

Structured Finance Recovery Estimates for Distressed Securities

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=656557

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