Corporate Bond Outlook: Exploring New Territory

Fixed Income Boutique
Artikel 1 min

We are exploring new territory: the new Fed chair in the US and the implication on rates or the wave of new issues of hyperscalers and AI related debt financing. Meanwhile, corporate credit fundamentals are in good shape with a positive rating trend.

 

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  • Macroeconomic Trends: Persistent growth in the US, while Europe is catching up, supported by fiscal spending around the globe. Inflation remains (too) high and deceleration depending to a large degree on energy prices. Regarding central banks, the new Fed chair and a potential strategic reset remain in focus.
  • Corporate Fundamentals: Corporates are well positioned with broadly stable credit metrics, and margins are close to all-time highs and strong EBITDA growth expectations. The ongoing positive rating trend is translating into a higher quality investment universe. A key topic remains around the hyperscalers, including the growing off-balance sheet debt.
  • Technicals and Bond issuance: Global corporate issuance is on track to hit another record in 2026, fuelled by AI-related capex issuance spreading out to Europe. The high average coupons drive up “income” for investors and help to digest the high volumes.
  • Valuation and Opportunities: Real yields are at multi-year highs, attracting investors. We observe higher dispersion among sectors and regions, despite spreads screening tight. Higher rated corporates screen particularly attractive.

 

 

 

 

 

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