how do downgrades effect ABX index?

edited November 2007 in Housing Bubble
Does anyone have any insights as to how a security downgrade would impact an index like the ABX? Normally the index tracks how well securities of particular ratings do. But what if one bond moves classes altogther due to a ratings change? Wouldn't that actually make the index look better?

An AA security that becomes BBB would no longer be tracked as in the AA group. Removing a poorly performing AA security from the AA group should, in theory, be positive for the index of remaining AA shares.

Am I missing something here?

Comments

  • If the AA gets downgraded to BBB, it stays in the AA group. That's the whole reason to short the AA tranche in the first place.
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