We’re Not So Different, High Yield Bonds and Leveraged Loans

December 21, 2023 | James Torgerson, Senior Research Analyst

Late last year we authored an article detailing the growing differences between the high yield and leveraged loan markets, particularly the overall quality in the high yield market versus that of leveraged loans. Today, some of those most pronounced differences appear to be abating, which should translate to a more convergent outlook for the two markets as it relates to security, structure, recovery, covenants, and ultimately, performance. With the Fed poised to begin cutting rates in 2024, we felt it was important to address these emerging trends before the start of the new year.

Read > We’re Not So Different, High Yield Bonds and Leveraged Loans

James Torgerson
Senior Research Analyst

Get to Know James

The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.

Related Content

Line chart comparing Growth of $100 and Average Sharpe Ratio for MVIS BDC Index, Cliffwater Direct Lending Index as averages. Data goes back January 2010 through March 31, 2026. Average Sharpe for MVIS US BDC 0.4, Direct Lending 3.28, Bank Loan 0.79. Current datapoint for BDC is $425 and $479 for Direct Lending. For full dataset, please contact marquettemarketing@marquetteassociates.com.

06.08.2026

How to Launder Your Volatility

Hi, James Torgerson here! Volatility can be an unsightly blemish on portfolios and lead to inferior risk-adjusted returns. Private credit…

05.07.2026

The Fed Tackles Succession Planning

The leadership structure of the Federal Reserve is intentionally designed to promote continuity, independence, and institutional stability across political cycles….

04.23.2026

We’ve Seen This Before

Diversify. Rebalance. Stay invested. Every one of these letters has concluded with that same advice in some shape or form….

04.07.2026

Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives

On March 30, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued its proposed regulation: Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives….

04.02.2026

1Q 2026 Market Insights Webinar

This video is a recording of a live webinar held April 16 by Marquette’s research team analyzing the first quarter…

04.01.2026

A Portfolio Needs Structure: An Overview of the Securitized Credit Asset Class

Fixed income is the largest global financial market and often one of the largest allocations within institutional investors’ portfolios. A…

More articles

Subscribe to Research Email Alerts

Research Email Alert Subscription

Research alerts keep you updated on our latest research publications. Simply enter your contact information, choose the research alerts you would like to receive and click Subscribe. Alerts will be sent as research is published.

We respect your privacy. We will never share or sell your information.

Thank You

We appreciate your interest in Marquette Associates.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact us directly and we will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.

Contact Us >