Market commentary

The energy sector rebounded in April along with the market. Midstream was the top performer in the energy sector, with MLPs posting a record monthly return. WTI futures went negative for the first time ever amid an unprecedented demand shock brought on by COVID-19.

Markets broadly rallied in April on the back of unprecedented stimulus by Congress and the Federal Reserve. HY Bonds posted their strongest monthly performance since January 2019 while Senior Secured Loans recorded their largest one-month gain since 2009. A decline in interest rates following an early-month spike boosted the duration-sensitive Barclays Agg.

Markets plunged in March, with energy leading the way down. Crude prices fell more than 5% due to a dual supply and demand shock. With global economies at a standstill and the world awash with oil, the market appears to be in a holding pattern.

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.