2016 middle market syndicated loan issuance lowest since 2009

Middle market syndicated loan issuance only reached US$139bn in 2016, down 3% from 2015 levels and the lowest annual level tracked since 2009. Several factors drove the lower levels. The non-sponsored market was the biggest culprit as issuers had no incentive to hit the market to refinance as long term financings were locked in during previous years. Furthermore, slow growth and uncertainty surrounding the economy and macro events such as...