Weekly Notables

The Fed implemented its final rate cut of 2024, lowering rates by 25 bp, bringing the total reduction for the year to 100 bp. The median FOMC dot plot projections signaled less cuts in 2025 than previously expected, which led to a pick-up in volatility across broader financial markets. With this backdrop, the loan market’s performance was on the lighter side this week, as the Morningstar® LSTA® US Leveraged Loan Index (Index) returned -0.03% for the seven-day period ended December 19. However, YTD returns remain strong, with a gain of 8.72%. Looking at secondary prices, the average Index bid price slipped by 4 bp, finishing the week at 97.37. 

The primary market was active this week, with arrangers wrapping up a few deals before the year ends. Overall, December set a new record for repricings , reaching a total of $153 billion, surpassing the previous high of $115 billion set in May of this year. Looking at the forward calendar, net of the anticipated $18.5 billion of repayments not associated with the forward pipeline, the amount of repayments now outstrip new supply by about $6.4 billion, versus net supply of $4.9 billion in the prior week. 

Trading levels in the secondary market were weaker across all credit quality. In terms of performance, Double-Bs outperformed this week, posting a positive return of 0.01%. On the other hand, Single-Bs and CCCs were in the red at -0.02% and -0.27%, respectively. 

CLO formation remained on track, finishing the year strong. There were seven deals priced during the week, pushing the YTD tally to over $197 billion. According to Morningstar, retail funds experienced an inflow of $560 million for the week ended December 18. 

There were no defaults in the Index during the week.

Average Bid
December 1, 2020 to December 19, 2024
Average Bid
Average 3-YR Call Secondary Spreads 1,2
December 1, 2020 to December 13, 2024
Average 3-YR Call Secondary Spreads 1,2
Lagging 12 Month Default Rate 3
December 1, 2020 to December 19, 2024
Lagging 12 Month Default Rate 3
Index Stats
Index Stats

Source: Pitchbook Data, Inc./LCD, Morningstar ® LSTA ® Leveraged Loan Index. Additional footnotes and disclosures on back page. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. *The Index’s average nominal spread calculation includes the benefit of base rate floors (where applicable).

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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 September 13, 2024. 

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. 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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