Senior Loan Talking Points – October 20, 2022

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Weekly Notables

  • Although the US economy continued to face an uncertain environment, performance in the loan market firmed this week. The Morningstar® LSTA ® US Leveraged Loan Index (Index) returned 0.47% for the seven-day period ended October 20. The average Index bid price moved higher by 28 bp, closing out the period at 92.34.
  • In the primary market, arrangers launched few deals this week, most of which represented M&A related activities. Looking ahead, the forward pipeline was relatively unchanged, as net new supply (net of anticipated repayments) totaled $9.2 billion this week, as compared to $9 billion last week.
  • Secondary trading levels moved higher this week, posting a positive daily gain for six consecutive days. In terms of ratings, performance continues to be in favor of higher-quality credits. This week, Double-B and Single-B loans returned 0.69% and 0.47%, respectively, while CCCs returned –0.25%.
  • On the investor demand side, CLO issuance picked up this week, as managers priced nine new deals (including a new CLO deal for Voya), bringing YTD levels to $110.40 billion. On the other hand, retail fund flows were negative for the fourth consecutive week, as $1.23 billion withdrew the market for the week ended October 14, pushing the net outflow for the year to more than $1 billion.
  • There were no defaults in the Index during the week.
Average Bid
October 1, 2017 to October 20, 2022
1
Average 3-YR Call Secondary Spreads 1,2
October 1, 2017 to October 14, 2022
1
Lagging 12 Month Default Rate 3
October 1, 2017 to October 20, 2022
1
Index Stats
1
2464880

Unless otherwise noted, the source for all data in this report is Pitchbook Data, Inc/LCD.  Pitchbook Data/LCD does not make any representations or warranties as to the completeness, accuracy or sufficiency of the data in this report.

1. Assumes 3 Year Maturity. Three-year maturity assumption: (i) all loans pay off at par in 3 years, (ii) discount from par is amortized evenly over the 3 years as additional spread, and (iii) no other principal payments during the 3 years. Discounted spread is calculated based upon the current bid price, not on par. Please note that Index yield data is only available on a lagging basis, thus the data demonstrated is as of October 14, 2022.

2. Excludes facilities that are currently in default.

3. Issuer default rate is calculated as the number of defaults over the last twelve months divided by the number of issuers in the Index at the beginning of the twelve-month period. Principal default rate is calculated as the amount defaulted over the last twelve months divided by the amount outstanding at the beginning of the twelve-month period.

General Risks for Floating Rate Senior Loans: Floating rate senior loans involve certain risks.  Below investment grade assets carry a higher than normal risk that borrowers may default in the timely payment of principal and interest on their loans, which would likely cause the value of the investment to decrease.  Changes in short-term market interest rates will directly affect the yield on investments in floating rate senior loans.  If such rates fall,  the investment’s yield will also fall.  If interest rate spreads on loans decline in general, the yield on such loans will fall and the value of such loans may decrease.  When short-term market interest rates rise, because of the lag between changes in such short-term rates and the resetting of the floating rates on senior loans, the impact of rising rates will be delayed to the extent of such lag.  Because of the limited secondary market for floating rate senior loans, the ability to sell these loans in a timely fashion and/or at a favorable price may be limited.  An increase or decrease in the demand for loans may adversely affect the loans.

This commentary has been prepared by Voya Investment Management for informational purposes. Nothing contained herein should be construed as (i) an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any security or (ii) a recommendation as to the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling any security. Any opinions expressed herein reflect our judgment and are subject to change. Certain of the statements contained herein are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation, (1) general economic conditions, (2) performance of financial markets, (3) changes in laws and regulations and (4) changes in the policies of governments and/or regulatory authorities. The opinions, views and information expressed in this commentary regarding holdings are subject to change without notice. The information provided regarding holdings is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Fund holdings are fluid and are subject to daily change based on market conditions and other factors.  

Voya Investment Management Co. LLC (“Voya”) is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services license under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (“Act”) in respect of the financial services it provides in Australia. Voya is regulated by the SEC under US laws, which differ from Australian laws. This document or communication is being provided to you on the basis of your representation that you are a wholesale client (within the meaning of section 761G of the Act), and must not be provided to any other person without the written consent of Voya, which may be withheld in its absolute discretion.

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

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