OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has downgraded 180 distressed bonds in 130 U.S. RMBS transactions to 'Dsf'. The downgrades indicate that the bonds have incurred a principal write-down. Of the bonds downgraded to 'Dsf', 171 classes were previously rated 'Csf', and nine classes were rated 'CCsf'. All ratings below 'CCCsf' indicate a default is likely.

As part of this review, the Recovery Estimates (REs) of the defaulted bonds were not revised. In addition, the review focused only on the bonds which defaulted and did not include any other bonds in the affected transactions.

Of the 180 classes affected by these downgrades, 89 are Prime, 41 are Alt-A, and 34 are Subprime. The remaining transaction types are various other sectors. Approximately 56% of the bonds have an RE of 50%-100%, which indicates that the bonds will recover 50%-100% of the current outstanding balance, while 24% have an RE of 0%.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

All of the affected classes had incurred a principal write-down and are expected to endure additional losses in the future.

RATING SENSITIVITIES

While the bonds that have defaulted are not expected to recover any material amount of lost principal in the future, there is a limited possibility that this may happen. In this unlikely scenario, Fitch would further review the affected class.

A spreadsheet detailing Fitch's rating actions can be found at 'www.fitchratings.com' by performing a title search for 'Fitch Downgrades 180 Distressed Bonds to 'Dsf' in 130 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 REs to the transactions. The Recovery Estimate scale is based upon the expected relative recovery characteristics of an obligation. For structured finance, REs are designed to estimate recoveries on a forward-looking basis.

DUE DILIGENCE USAGE
No third party due diligence was provided or reviewed in relation to this rating action.