Guggenheim Macro Markets

Episode 76: Why and Where (and How) to Invest in Asset-Backed Finance

Nov 4, 2025
Karthik Narayanan, Head of Structured Credit at Guggenheim Investments, shares insights on the intriguing world of asset-backed finance. He discusses the continuous appeal of structured credit, highlighting factors like complexity premium and credit diversity. Karthik dives into the attractive yields in commercial ABS sectors and elaborates on the opportunities in non-agency RMBS. He emphasizes the importance of rigorous analysis and ongoing surveillance in managing these investments, providing a glimpse into the daily life of a structured credit analyst.
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INSIGHT

Asset-Backed Finance Vs. ABS

  • Asset-backed finance (ABF) is a broader umbrella than ABS and includes secured debt not as corporate obligations.
  • The tradable bond portion (structured credit) is ~ $3.1 trillion and is the actionable part for most investors.
INSIGHT

Complexity Premium Fuels Higher Yields

  • Structured credit often yields more for comparable ratings while showing lower historical default rates.
  • This gap likely reflects a persistent 'complexity premium' rather than proportionally higher risk.
INSIGHT

Broad Asset Diversity In Structured Credit

  • Structured credit spans many uncorrelated asset types, from RMBS to music royalties to aircraft leases.
  • That asset diversity offers portfolio-level benefits versus concentrated corporate credit exposures.
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