UPDATE 3-GMAC says backs ResCap, without committing to it

(Adds ResCap bond prices, credit default swaps)

NEW YORK, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Finance company GMAC LLC expressed support for its money-losing Residential Capital LLC mortgage unit on Thursday but stopped short of a commitment to keep the big home loan provider in business.

Responding in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing to "various questions," GMAC said ResCap is an important subsidiary and that it has better aligned the unit with current market conditions.

"If ResCap were to need additional support, GMAC would provide that support so long as it was in the best interests of GMAC stakeholders," GMAC said. "While there can be no assurances, GMAC's recently approved status as a regulated bank holding company has increased the importance of its support for ResCap."

ResCap debt rose in price and the cost of insuring the debt fell, indicating that investors see less risk of default.

GMAC's largest investors include General Motors Corp (GM.N) and private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management LP [CBS.UL]. GMAC is the main lender to GM customers.

In December, GMAC received a $6 billion government infusion and conducted a $21.2 billion debt swap designed to bolster its capital. It also won bank holding company status from the U.S. Federal Reserve, allowing it to tap lower-cost funding.

The future of ResCap, one of the 10 largest U.S. home loan providers, has been in question after a surge in bad loans led to big losses and forced it to tighten lending standards.

GMAC said ResCap lost $9.1 billion in the two years ended Sept. 30, 2008, and has reduced its workforce to about 3,800 from 14,000 two years ago.