Search
Close this search box.

Table of Contents

Weighted Average Coupon (WAC)



Definition

Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) is a measure used in the bond market which calculates the average yield to maturity of a pool of mortgages in terms of interest rates. It is computed by summing up the gross interest rates of each mortgage in the pool, then dividing by the total balance of the group. The WAC provides investors with a more accurate representation of overall portfolio performance.

Phonetic

The phonetics of the keyword: Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) would be: Weighted: /ˈweɪ.t̬ɪd/Average: /ˈæv.ɚ.ɪdʒ/Coupon: /ˈkuː.pɑːn/(WAC): /ˈwæk/

Key Takeaways

  1. Definition: Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) is a mean value that provides the weighted-average gross interest rates of the pool of mortgages that comprise a mortgage-backed security (MBS), at issuance.
  2. Calculation and Importance: It is calculated by weighing each mortgage by its size in proportion to the aggregate total amount of mortgages. This detail is important for an MBS investor as the rate will determine the future cash flow and ultimate return of the investment.
  3. Fluctuation and Risks: The WAC can change over time due to the active nature of the underlying mortgages, as homeowners may significantly pay down their mortgages or refinance them before maturity, which may introduce prepayment risk to MBS investors.

Importance

The Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) is an essential finance term used in business and particularly significant in the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) sector. The WAC represents the average interest rate of all the mortgages underlying a single MBS, weighted by the loan amount. It is crucial because it provides investors with a way to compare potential yield of different MBSs. An MBS with a higher WAC means the underlying mortgages have a higher interest rate, and thus are likely to generate more interest revenue for the investor. However, it also indicates a higher degree of prepayment risk, since a higher mortgage interest rate provides a stronger motivation for borrowers to refinance when rates go down to lower levels. So, the WAC serves as a vital tool for risk assessment and profit potential for investors in the mortgage security market.

Explanation

The Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) represents an important calculation primarily used by mortgage-backed securities (MBS) traders and analysts for assessing the health and risk of a portfolio of mortgages. These individuals operate in an environment of fluctuating interest rates, which significantly impacts the value of mortgage-based investments. By using the WAC, they can measure the average coupon rate of all the underlying mortgages in a pool, giving each loan equal weight proportional to its size relative to the pool’s aggregate amount. Therefore, it helps investors to better understand the interest income they can expect from such a pool, which is an important factor in their overall return-on-investment calculations.Additionally, the WAC can be beneficial in the evaluation of prepayment risk. As mortgages are usually repaid over 10-30 years, there’s a risk that the borrowers could pay off their loans early, particularly in a lowering interest rates environment. This would consequently reduce the income that was expected to be earned from the interest over the loan term. The WAC offers insights into this potential scenario by illustrating the overall rate at which the portfolio would yield over time, allowing traders to make assessments about future income streams and devise safeguards to protect their interests. In summary, the WAC plays a vital role in risk analysis and income projection for investors in mortgage-backed securities.

Examples

1. Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS): Mortgage-backed securities are a prime example of where WAC is used. MBS bundles loans with varying interest rates which are then sold to investors. The WAC provides an average interest rate for all the loans included in the security, taking into account the loan amount associated with each interest rate. 2. Credit Card Companies: Credit card companies often use WACs when they offer consolidated loans. If a client has multiple debts each with a different interest rate, the company can consolidate these debts into one loan with a WAC that reflects the average interest rate for all debts, adjusting for the amount of each debt.3. Finance in Education Sector: An education loan provider extends loans to students at different interest rates based on individual financial situations. The blended rate extended across all borrowers will be the weighted average coupon (WAC). This helps the institution to balance the risk and return of lending to diverse borrowers.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What does Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) mean in finance?

Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) is a measure that calculates the average interest rate of all the loans in a pool of mortgages, weighted by the balance of each individual loan.

How is the Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) calculated?

The WAC is calculated by multiplying each loan in the pool by its proportionate percentage of the total pool, then adding those results together to get the WAC.

What factors can affect the Weighted Average Coupon (WAC)?

Factors that can affect the WAC include changes in interest rates, prepayments on loans, purchase or sale of loans from the pool, and defaults on loans.

Why is Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) important in the financial world?

WAC is commonly used by investors to estimate the anticipated payments of a mortgage-backed security. It provides a means to evaluate and compare the overall risk and potential return of different pools of mortgages.

Do all mortgage-backed securities have a Weighted Average Coupon (WAC)?

Yes, all mortgage-backed securities will have a WAC as this measures the average interest rate of the pool of loans that they are secured against.

Can the Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) change over time?

Yes, the WAC can change over time due to factors such as prepayments on loans and changes in the interest rates of variable rate loans within the mortgage pool.

How often is the Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) updated?

The frequency at which the WAC is updated varies depending on the mortgage-backed security and the financial institution that is managing it. It can be updated as frequently as monthly or as infrequently as annually.

Can the Weighted Average Coupon (WAC) predict the future performance of a mortgage pool?

WAC can be used to estimate future cash flows from a mortgage pool, but it should not be used as the sole predictor of future performance. Other factors such as the credit risks of the individual loans and market conditions should also be considered.

Related Finance Terms

Sources for More Information


About Our Editorial Process

At Due, we are dedicated to providing simple money and retirement advice that can make a big impact in your life. Our team closely follows market shifts and deeply understands how to build REAL wealth. All of our articles undergo thorough editing and review by financial experts, ensuring you get reliable and credible money advice.

We partner with leading publications, such as Nasdaq, The Globe and Mail, Entrepreneur, and more, to provide insights on retirement, current markets, and more.

We also host a financial glossary of over 7000 money/investing terms to help you learn more about how to take control of your finances.

View our editorial process

About Our Journalists

Our journalists are not just trusted, certified financial advisers. They are experienced and leading influencers in the financial realm, trusted by millions to provide advice about money. We handpick the best of the best, so you get advice from real experts. Our goal is to educate and inform, NOT to be a ‘stock-picker’ or ‘market-caller.’ 

Why listen to what we have to say?

While Due does not know how to predict the market in the short-term, our team of experts DOES know how you can make smart financial decisions to plan for retirement in the long-term.

View our expert review board

About Due

Due makes it easier to retire on your terms. We give you a realistic view on exactly where you’re at financially so when you retire you know how much money you’ll get each month. Get started today.

Due Fact-Checking Standards and Processes

To ensure we’re putting out the highest content standards, we sought out the help of certified financial experts and accredited individuals to verify our advice. We also rely on them for the most up to date information and data to make sure our in-depth research has the facts right, for today… Not yesterday. Our financial expert review board allows our readers to not only trust the information they are reading but to act on it as well. Most of our authors are CFP (Certified Financial Planners) or CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) certified and all have college degrees. Learn more about annuities, retirement advice and take the correct steps towards financial freedom and knowing exactly where you stand today. Learn everything about our top-notch financial expert reviews below… Learn More