Explanation

Correct Answer: C

To-be-announced (TBA) trading is a key feature of the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market. Here's why option C is correct:

• TBA as Forward Contracts: TBAs are essentially forward contracts where the parties agree on the basic terms but the specific mortgage pools are not identified at the time of the trade.
• Key Agreement Terms: In TBA trades, buyers and sellers agree on:
  • Issuer (e.g., Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae)
  • Maturity (e.g., 30-year, 15-year)
  • Coupon rate
  • Price
  • Par value (notional amount)
  • Settlement month

Why other options are incorrect:

• Option A: Incorrect because TBAs do NOT involve agreements on specific pools of mortgages. The specific pools are announced later (typically 48 hours before settlement).
• Option B: Incorrect because while sellers do have some flexibility in choosing which pools to deliver, they must deliver pools that meet the agreed-upon specifications (issuer, maturity, coupon). They cannot deliver any random pools.
• Option D: Incorrect because TBAs are actually MORE actively traded than specified pools. The TBA market is highly liquid and accounts for the majority of MBS trading volume, while specified pools are less liquid.

Additional Context: The TBA market provides standardization and liquidity to the MBS market by allowing traders to transact without knowing the exact underlying mortgage pools, which facilitates hedging and risk management activities.