The Q3 bounce has been stronger than expected, and consumers remain resilient. But with concerns about volatility rising and income still hard to find, it’s clear the challenges of 2020 are not over.

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.

Declining rates have left the traditional "40" struggling. Investors need to find ways to fix their fixed income allocation by seeking alternative sources of income, return and diversification.

Market activity has been divorced from investor sentiment of late. Our chart looks at the mismatch and why investors might prepare for a pullback.

Ryan is Managing Director at FS Investments where he also serves as Chief Investment Officer of the firm’s Chiron funds. He joined FS Investments in 2020 when the firm acquired Chiron Investment Management, the company which he co-founded in 2015. Ryan serves as board advisor to Premier Boxing Champions and has previously served as a...

While uncertainty is still top of mind, we believe active managers will find opportunity in the dispersion across asset classes, industries and ratings