Market commentary

Credit markets remained positive in October, despite experiencing weakness during the last week of the month alongside a sell-off in equities.

Equity markets declined for the second straight month amid the ongoing pandemic and lack of U.S. fiscal stimulus, as a new surge in coronavirus cases has put a damper on the energy demand recovery.

Broad equity and credit markets pulled back in September, and energy markets followed suit.

Credit markets were mixed in September, with HY Bonds posting a -1.04% return and Senior Secured Loans returning 0.63%. Interest rates remained relatively rangebound throughout the month and the duration-sensitive Barclays Agg returned -0.05%, its second straight monthly decline.

Despite stock prices that remain well below early 2020 levels, midstream earnings expectations have held up well.

Credit markets climbed steadily higher throughout a relatively quiet August, with HY Bonds and Senior Secured Loans returning 0.98% and 1.49%, respectively. Interest rates rose throughout the month following the Fed’s inflation policy shift, sending the duration-sensitive Barclays Agg down -0.81%.