TheLeadLeft

Leveraged Loan Insight & Analysis - 9/21/2015

After a busy first half of the year, CLO issuance has been relatively muted in the 3rd quarter, recording $15.5 billion of new CLO paper so far, that is, half the volume recorded in each of the first 2 quarters of the year. Year-to-date volume stands at $76 billion, down from the $94 billion recorded at the…

Why Volatility Matters (Third of a Series)

In the classic 1962 film, “Lawrence of Arabia,” two British officers watch the unfolding chaos as Arab tribes vie for control of Damascus. Eager to keep events from spiraling out of control, the colonel pleads with his commanding officer, “We can’t just do nothing.” The general, savvy to the political reality, replies calmly, “Why not?…

The Pulse of Private Equity - 9/21/2015

With High Valuations Persisting, PE Buyers Still Cautious PE dealmakers are still grappling with increased regulatory scrutiny and stubbornly persistent high valuations. The chance to ameliorate price pressures still remains, with lending markets left wide open by ongoing competition… Subscribe to Read MoreAlready a member? Log in here...

Chart of the Week - Best in Class

So far this year leveraged loans have managed to earn a 3% return – better than other investments, and with lower volatility. Source: Credit Suisse

Markit Recap – 9/14/2015

The sharp fall in commodity prices over the past 12 months has placed the energy sector under increased scrutiny from credit investors. But it tends to be exploration and production firms, as well as mining companies, that have borne the brunt of negative sentiment. Utilities often benefit from lower prices in raw materials, and their…

Why Volatility Matters (Part Two)

Leveraged loans occupy a unique position in the credit asset class. Like high-yield bonds they boast an active secondary market, but unlike junk they reside at the top of the capital structure. Also, like high-yield, these loans are extended to non-investment grade issuers so enjoy higher returns than their investment grade cousins. But unlike bonds,…

Lead Left Interview - Wayne McKinzie (Part 2)

This week we continue our conversation with Wayne McKinzie, a partner at Moore & Van Allen PLLC. Named in Best Lawyers in America for Banking and Finance Law, Wayne represents investors in various senior and mezzanine financing transactions and investments. Moore & Van Allen, based in Charlotte, is one of the largest law firms in…