Oscar Wilde once wrote, “When the gods wants to punish you, they answer your prayers.” Risk assets like high-yield bonds have enjoyed a Fed back-stop. Issuers pounced on record low coupons, and investors suffered through low returns… ▶︎ Read July 25 2022 newsletter: here ▶︎ Chart of the Week: here (by Nuveen, The Conference Board, […]
June’s CPI report showed inflation running at 9.1%, dashing hopes that consumer prices had peaked. Data came from across the economy, challenging the Fed’s rate hike pace. Will 75 bps be enough, or will the Fed kick it up to 1%? Equity markets seem to be buying the notion that longer-term inflation is still headed […]
In recent months, thanks to market volatility caused by higher interest rates, toppy inflation, and the perceived higher probability of a recession, large cap loan prices have traded down sharply. S&P/LCD’s leveraged loan index has dropped from 98.5 in February to 92 last week… ▶︎ Read July 11 2022 newsletter: here ▶︎ Chart of the […]
Broadly syndicated loans are liquid, one investor told us, so they high volatility that exaggerates credit deterioration. The middle market, he said, is illiquid, so has low volatility which can mask credit deterioration… ▶︎ Read July 4 2022 newsletter: here ▶︎ Chart of the Week: here (by Lincoln International, S&P/LCD) (Any “forward-looking” information may include, […]
Many direct lenders only finance businesses backed by private equity sponsors. While non-sponsored strategies have benefits, the presence of an owner with its own track record, industry experience, and deal sourcing prowess, gives relationship lenders distinct advantages… ▶︎ Read June 27 2022 newsletter: here ▶︎ Chart of the Week: here (by Lincoln International, S&P Capital […]
“What’s the key portfolio strategy managers should employ for success?” “Diversify!” That’s how one top PM answered our question. There are many levels and measures of diversity. You don’t want to be stuck with large exposures in any one industry, no matter how resilient it may seem… ▶︎ Read June 20 2022 newsletter: here ▶︎ […]
What makes for successful portfolio construction in private credit? The issue carries more urgency amid current public market turmoil. Leveraged loans will always be in a non-investment grade risk bucket. Middle market loans, being less leveraged and covenanted, are a more conservative play, but recessions will always test borrowers no matter how creditworthy… ▶︎ Read […]
As the oldest living person on Earth until her passing last month, #KaneTanaka was born a year before the Wright Brothers’ historic first flight at Kitty Hawk. Her secret to a long life? “Being myself.”… ▶︎ Read JUNE 6 2022 newsletter: here ▶︎ Chart of the Week: here (by Bloomberg, UBS (courtesy The Daily Shot)) […]
The old Naval Air Station in Charlestown, RI was right next to the summer house we lived in as kids. Aviators would fly training patterns over our heads, circle back to the airfield, touch wheels down, and head around again… ▶︎ Read May 30 2022 newsletter: here ▶︎ Chart of the Week: here (by Natixis, […]
Last month the FDA began a formal investigation into complaints that eating Lucky Charms was making people sick. On iwaspoisoned.com, a social media forum, thousands reported serious stomach problems after eating the popular cereal… ▶︎ Read May 23 2022 newsletter: here ▶︎ Chart of the Week: here (by Numera Analytics) (Any “forward-looking” information may include, […]