Loans Beat Bonds for First Time in Four Years: Credit Markets
Leveraged loans are outperforming high-yield, high-risk bonds in the U.S. after lagging behind the last four years as the Federal Reserve takes steps to withdraw the unprecedented amount of cash it pumped into the economy.
Speculative-grade loans gained 1.91 percent this year through Feb. 19, according to Standard & Poor’s. That compares with 1.137 percent for junk bonds, Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s U.S. High Yield Master II index shows. Higher benchmark borrowing costs tend to increase rates on loans, which are adjustable, boosting returns.