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.

Energy markets fall as economic uncertainty intensifies | Crude oil: Two steps forward, two steps back

Large-cap energy gained while the midstream sector sold off in November. Energy valuations appear relatively cheap heading into 2020.

Leveraged credit rises in September | Fundamentals and technicals balanced for now

Leveraged credit was mixed in October | High-rated credit continues to outperform

Leveraged credit rose in November, with loans outperforming HY Bonds. The duration-sensitive Barclays Agg was unable to recover from an early-month rate spike, ending down slightly on the month.

Steps to reopen the economy and progress toward a COVID-19 vaccine created an optimistic sentiment for much of the month, as HY Bonds, Senior Secured Loans and structured products posted strong returns. Interest rates remained relatively rangebound and the duration-sensitive Barclays Agg had a slight gain.

The recovery in markets continued in June, but at a slower pace amid concerns over rising COVID cases. HY Bonds and Senior Secured Loans still ended the month up, returning 0.97% and 1.14%, respectively, capping off the best quarter for each market since Q3 2009. Interest rates spiked early in the month before declining slightly, and the duration-sensitive Barclays Agg returned 0.63%.

Leveraged credit gains in July | Higher-rated credit continues to outperform

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.