Our characterization of the current economic picture as a “precession” took into account the second quarter’s negative GDP data. But last week’s “blowout” labor report for July – 528,000 jobs added – combined with unemployment edging down to 3.5%, hardly depict the prelude to a recession. The number of jobs now stands where it did…
News reached us last week of the demise of the Choco Taco. Or not. Cousin to the Klondike Bar, this chocolate-nut-waffle-taco-vanilla-fudge-ice-cream novelty seemed to be yet another victim of supply-chain issues when its manufacturer announced it was being discontinued. Choco-Taco’s creator chalked it up to the times. “I believe if there had never been Covid…
One of the enduring mysteries of human behavior is our perpetual discomfort with the present. Why can’t today be more like yesterday? Yet when tomorrow brings the hoped-for change, we are invariably chagrined. Oscar Wilde captured this tendency when he wrote, “When the gods want to punish you, they answer your prayers.” Lenders like to…
Last week’s June CPI report showed inflation running at 9.1%, higher than May’s number, dashing hopes that consumer prices had peaked. Data drivers were also broad-based, including energy, food and housing, challenging the Fed’s rate hike pace. Would 75 bps be enough, or will the Fed kick it up to a previously unimagined 1% later…
In our series on portfolio construction [link] we looked at how liquid and illiquid loan managers assemble quality all-weather assets. Because of the contrasting characteristics and behaviors of BSL and middle market, PMs work differently to extract and maintain value. In recent months, thanks to market volatility caused by higher interest rates, toppy inflation, and…
“Broadly syndicated loans are liquid, so have high volatility that exaggerates credit deterioration,” one market observer told us recently. “The middle market,” he continued, “is illiquid, so has low volatility which can mask credit deterioration.” How do PMs in these strategies manage through market volatility and maintain credit quality? Large cap loan buyers act like…
Many direct lenders have oriented their platforms around financing only businesses backed by private equity sponsors. While non-sponsored strategies have certain benefits, the presence of an owner with its own separate track record, select industry experience, and deal sourcing prowess to draft behind, gives relationship lenders distinct advantages. This is particularly true when it comes…
“What’s the key portfolio strategy managers should employ for success?” “Diversify!” That’s how one top PM answered our question. There are many levels and measures of diversity. You don’t want to be stuck with large exposures in any one industry, no matter how resilient it may seem. Healthcare, 20% of the US economy, is a…
What makes for successful portfolio construction in private credit? That was one of the questions panelists addressed at the Private Credit Investor Summit last week. The issue carries more urgency amid current public market turmoil. Equities tumbled this week after a worse-than-expected May CPI report. Besides the number itself (8.6%), highest in four decades, the…
What made Kane Tanaka so special? As the oldest living person on the planet until her passing last month, Tanaka-san was born (January 2, 1903) almost a year before the Wright Brothers’ historic first flight at Kitty Hawk. Her secret to a long life? “Being myself.” Sticking to your knitting was top of mind this…