Though it’s true that bank loans have tended to outperform traditional core bonds in inflationary or rising rate environments, their performance during such periods also varied widely by credit quality and sector.
Moreover, higher interest rates have historically led to slowed economic growth. While higher rates are good for loans from an inflation hedge perspective, they also curb borrowing and spending by passing on higher borrowing costs to consumers and businesses. As those hikes impact growth, they, in turn, may eventually hurt risk assets like high yield bonds and loans.
Careful credit selection will be critical to help ensure investors are able to seize on the structural advantages of bank loans and the segments of the economy that are still thriving, while avoiding potential credit risks and credits that are impacted by slower growth and inflation.
Investment Partner
INDEX DEFINITIONS
The Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index is a market-weighted index that tracks the investable universe of the U.S. dollar denominated leveraged loans. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.
Credit Ratings noted herein are calculated based on S&P, Moody’s and Fitch ratings. Generally, ratings range from AAA, the highest quality rating, to D, the lowest, with BBB and above being called investment grade securities. BB and below are considered below investment grade securities. If the ratings from all three agencies are available, securities will be assigned the median rating based on the numerical equivalents. If the ratings are available from only two of the agencies, the more conservative of the ratings will be assigned to the security. If the rating is available from only one agency, then that rating will be used. Default Rate is most commonly referred to as the percentage of loans that have been charged off after a prolonged period of missed payments. Defaulted loans are typically written off from an issuer’s financial statements and transferred to a collection agency. In some cases a default rate may also be a higher interest rate charged to a borrower after a specified number of missed payments occur.
A Basis Point (bp) is equal to 0.01%. Credit Ratings noted herein are calculated based on S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch ratings. Generally, ratings range from AAA, the highest quality rating, to D, the lowest, with BBB and above being called investment grade securities. BB and below are considered below investment grade securities. If the ratings from all three agencies are available, securities will be assigned the median rating based on the numerical equivalents. If the ratings are available from only two of the agencies, the more conservative of the ratings will be assigned to the security. If the rating is available from only one agency, then that rating will be used. Ratings do not apply to a fund or to a fund’s shares. Ratings are subject to change. Default Rate is most commonly referred to as the percentage of loans that have been charged off after a prolonged period of missed payments. Defaulted loans are typically written off from an issuer’s financial statements and transferred to a collection agency. In some cases, a default rate may also be a higher interest rate charged to a borrower after a specified number of missed payments occur. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) is a measure of a company’s profitability of the operating business only, thus before any effects of interest, taxes and costs required to maintain its asset base. It is derived by subtracting from revenues all costs of the operating business (e.g. wages, costs of raw materials, services.) but not depreciation, amortization, interest, lease expenses, and taxes. Interest Coverage Ratio is a debt ratio and profitability ratio used to determine how easily a company can pay interest on its outstanding debt.
The commentary is the opinion of the subadviser. This material has been prepared using sources of information generally believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions represented are subject to change and should not be considered investment advice or an offer of securities.
IMPORTANT RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Bank Loans: Bank loans may be unsecured or not fully collateralized, may be subject to restrictions on resale, may be less liquid and may trade infrequently on the secondary market. Bank loans settle on a delayed basis; thus, sale proceeds may not be available to meet redemptions for a substantial period of time after the sale of the loan. Credit & Interest: Debt instruments are subject to various risks, including credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt instruments may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities. Sector Focused Investing: Events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the portfolio focuses its investments may cause the value of the portfolio to decrease. Market Volatility: The value of the securities in the portfolio may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be short- or long-term. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issue, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the portfolio and its investments, including hampering the ability of the portfolio's manager(s) to invest the portfolio's assets as intended.