Bank Loans Position Paper

June 14, 2019

Bank loans represent a key strategic asset class for most institutional investors’ fixed income portfolios. Some of the critical benefits of bank loans include yield that is typically greater than that of core bonds, a floating rate and therefore very little interest rate risk, and a senior secured level in the debt capital structure of issuers such that default risk is minimized and recovery rates are maximized. This position paper covers the history of the asset class as well as some unique characteristics that make it a vital part of many institutional investors’ portfolios. We will also examine its historical returns and correlations with other asset classes, as well as its risks ranging from credit to liquidity risk and interest risk to reinvestment risk. We will conclude with an assessment of its recent valuations as well as how to access this asset class.

Download PDF >

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.

 

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

01.22.2026

Seventy-Five Horses and Two Pieces of Plastic

Anyone who has gone snowmobiling knows it can be simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying. Throttling across snow and through a forest…

01.07.2026

2026 Market Preview

This video is a recording of a live webinar held January 15 by Marquette’s research team analyzing 2025 across the…

01.14.2026

Where Should Investors Land on the Aggregate Continuum?

Contrary to widespread belief, fixed income aggregate strategies offer a continuum of active risk and return profiles. While aggregate strategies…

12.15.2025

Big “Issues” for Big Tech

While technology-oriented firms have made their presence known in equity markets for several years, these companies have made waves in…

10.27.2025

Don’t Make Me Repeat Myself

To paraphrase a quote from former President George W. Bush: “Fool me once, shame on… shame on you. Fool me…

10.22.2025

3Q 2025 Market Insights

This video is a recording of a live webinar held October 22 by Marquette’s research team analyzing the third quarter…

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 >