Jumps and Cojumps in Subprime Home Equity Derivatives

Abstract

Mizrach analyzes the jump frequency in the MarketABX.HE Index of subprime home equity credit default swaps and CME housing futures. Jumps began to appear prior to 2007. The jumps are more pronounced in housing futures than in the ABX index. He explains nearly 85% of the jumps from news and housing futures.A 20-point slope in the housing futures curve leads to an expected jump of -1.4% in the BBB– ABX index.