Author(s)

Julia Hein, Thomas Weber

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Several policy options have been discussed to mitigate the current subprime mortgage crisis. This paper analyses an interest rate freeze on adjustable rate mortgages as one possible reaction. In particular, the implications on Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS) are studied. We examine shifts in the underlying portfolio’s discounted cash flow distributions as well as changes in the payment profile of RMBS-tranches. We show that the positive effects of a rate freeze, e.g. less foreclosures and a stabilizing housing market, can outweigh the negative effect of lower interest income such that investors might be better off.

Interest Rate Freeze, Subprime Mortgages, Residential Mortgage, Backed Securities (RMBS)

J. Hein and T. Weber, "How to React to the Subprime Crisis? - The Impact of an Interest Rate Freeze on Residential Mortgage Backed," Journal of Service Science and Management, Vol. 2 No. 4, 2009, pp. 289-304. doi: 10.4236/jssm.2009.24035.