Which of the following represents a common underlying asset in asset-backed securities?

The option representing a common underlying asset in asset-backed securities is home mortgages. Asset-backed securities (ABS) are financial instruments backed by a pool of assets, which can provide cash flow to investors. Home mortgages, in particular, are frequently utilized because they generate regular payments from borrowers. These payments are then pooled together and converted into tradable securities, allowing investors to receive income based on the mortgage payments.

In contrast, government bonds are debt securities issued by a government and do not serve as the underlying asset in ABS. Equity stakes represent ownership in a company and are not typically securitized in the manner that asset-backed securities require. Commodities can be associated with derivatives or futures contracts but are not a direct source of cash flow in the formation of asset-backed securities. Thus, home mortgages stand out as the primary asset that drives the creation of this type of financial product.