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.

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.

Leveraged credit mixed in August | High-rated credit outperforms

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.