Market commentary

HY Bonds and Senior Secured Loans each endured their worst month since 2008, ending down -11.76% and -12.37%, respectively, as the global rout in risk assets continued. Historically, credit markets have been resilient, performing well following sell-offs and rewarding investors for buying in at or near current spread levels.

The last week of February saw a global sell-off in risk assets as markets reacted to news of the coronavirus. Leveraged credit markets slid alongside a steeper drop in equities. The Barclays Agg benefited from its long duration, returning 1.80% as rates hit all-time lows during the month.

The energy sector continued its rocky start to 2020. Crude prices continued to fall and now sit 27% lower than at the start of the year. Uncertainty has taken over markets, presenting challenging headwinds for commodities and energy markets.

The energy sector started off 2020 with a volatile January. Crude prices fell 15.6%, their worst month since May 2019. The Wuhan coronavirus roiled commodity markets in January. Impacts on demand have already been significant.

January was a mixed month for leveraged credit. HY Bonds ended January flat while Senior Secured Loans returned 0.56%. The duration-sensitive Barclays Agg rallied as rates fell over 40 bps over the course of the month.

December was a strong month for leveraged credit, with HY Bonds and Senior Secured Loans posting returns of 2.09% and 1.60%, respectively. The duration-sensitive Barclays Agg ended down slightly on the month.