EXHIBIT 23

               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference  in the  following  Registration
Statement  of our report  dated May 18,  2000,  with  respect  to the  financial
statements and schedules of the Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. Tax Deferred
Savings and  Investment  Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1999:

     Registration
     Statement Number

                                Form Description

     -----------------     ---------    ---------------------------------------
     -----------------     ---------    ---------------------------------
   333-73089  S-8     Registration of Tax Deferred Savings and Investment Plan



GRANT THORNTON LLP


Los Angeles, California
May 18, 2000