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Announcements
Methodologies
Rating Methodology for Banks (February 27, 2007) - The
bank rating methodology outlines the principles and analytical criteria underpinning A.M.
Bests rating opinion on a bank, its parent holding company and other affiliated banking entities
as may be necessary as part of A.M. Bests ratings on a banking group.
Analyzing
Finance Companies (June 6, 2005) - The analytical framework
for assessing finance companies highlights special issues particular to the
finance industry, according to A.M. Best Co.'s latest rating methodology,
Analyzing Finance Companies.
Analyzing
Commercial Banking Operations (March 28, 2005) - Globally,
increasing numbers of banks and insurers have expanded operations into each
other's industry. Based on this growing trend, A.M. Best Co. has released a
methodology for evaluating the financial health of the banking operations of
insurance-related enterprises. |
Industry Research
2008 Special Report: U.S. Banking 1st Quarter Interest Review. Yield Curve Signals Imminent Stagflation
The treasury yield curve spiked to its recent steepest levels in the first quarter of 2008 as liquidity concerns and aggressive Federal Reserve interest rate cuts were particularly influential in driving down short-term yields.
Date: 4/21/2008 Pages: 5 Available:
Spreadsheet Data
2008 Special Report: U.S. Banking Issue Review. Subprime Losses More Prevalent Among Largest Institutions
As part of a deepening mortgage crisis going into 2008, a spate of earnings hits resulting from subprime exposures dominated the fourth-quarter 2007 results of U.S. banks.
Date: 3/28/08 Pages: 6 Available:
Spreadsheet Data
2008 Special Report: U.S. Banking Regulatory Review. Banks, Lenders Urged To Do More for Troubled Mortgage Loans
As more homeowners face foreclosure, regulators and lawmakers have urged banks and lenders to modify upwards of 1.8 million hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) made to subprime borrowers. These ARMs will reset in 2008 and 2009 to interest rates that are substantially higher than market rates.
Date: 2/18/2008 Pages: 8 Available:
Spreadsheet Data
2007 Special Report: U.S. Banking 3rd/4th Quarter Interest Review. Risk Aversion Leads to a Steeper Yield Curve
Credit market sentiment shifted in the second half of 2007 to an overall aversion to risk, driven by the subprime mortgage crisis
and concerns over liquidity within the banking system. This led to a flight-to-quality to Treasury securities, driving down yields,
particularly for Treasury bills and two-year Treasury notes.
Date: 12/17/2007 Pages: 4 Available:
Spreadsheet Data
2007 Special
Report: U.S. Banking Issues. Increased Bank Exposure to MBS Contributing to Disorderly
Markets
The impact of higher and more volatile interest rates, combined with
the banking industrys increased exposure to mortgage-backed securities, may lead
to more volatile assets and lower asset valuations reflected on the balance sheets
of U.S. banks.
Date: 8/27/2007 Pages: 4 Available:
Spreadsheet Data
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