The financial storm is brewing as subprime delinquencies soar to some of the highest levels we’ve seen in 18 years. In January 2024, the subprime 60-plus-day delinquency rate hit a staggering 6.31%, according to Fitch Ratings—the highest level since 2005. This alarming rise signals that more and more borrowers with lower credit scores are falling behind on their payments, a trend that poses significant risks to the broader financial system.
Subprime delinquencies span various types of loans, each one raising red flags for the economy. Subprime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and student loans are all seeing increased defaults, often because the borrowers have poor credit histories. The real danger comes from the resurgence of high-risk loan products like Stated Income and Stated Asset (SISA) loans, and even more worryingly, No Income, No Asset (NINA) loans. These loans are based on the borrower’s word alone about their financial situation, making them a ticking time bomb.
With borrowers struggling to keep up with rising interest rates and mounting financial pressure, this growing delinquency crisis threatens to destabilize more than just individual credit scores. The ripple effect could lead to widespread economic turmoil, exacerbating the strain on already fragile markets. If this trend continues, we could be staring down the barrel of a new financial crisis.
Subprime delinquencies are near the highest in 18 YEARS pic.twitter.com/7HHMrLHXuw
— Win Smart, CFA (@WinfieldSmart) October 14, 2024