MBIA Temporarily Exits ABS Biz

MBIA has announced that it will stop guaranteeing ABS for six months and said that it intends to split the structured business from its municipal bond division within a five-year period. According to published reports, Joseph Brown, MBIA's new chief executive, said in a note to shareholders that this move is being made while the company evaluates its options. Meanwhile, Moody's Investors Service today confirmed MBIA's and its affiliates' 'Aaa' insurance financial strength ratings. The rating agency has also confirmed the 'Aa2' rating on surplus notes issued by MBIA Insurance Corp., and the 'Aa3' senior unsecured ratings of its parent company, MBIA Inc. The rating actions reflect Moody's assessment of MBIA's current efforts to strengthen its capital position in terms of its problematic mortgage and mortgage-related CDO exposures. The rating firm also considered the changes the company is implementing to limit the volatility associated with its insured portfolio. MBIA's current outlook is negative.