January 2024 | Strong fourth-quarter returns reduced US high yield spreads from 403 basis points over Treasuries at the end of the third quarter to 339 basis points at yearend. Generating positive performance with spreads at these levels is much more challenging than at the long-term average spread of 537 basis points since yearend 1996. Of course, positive performance can also potentially be generated from falling Treasury bond yields. The case for falling Treasury yields currently is built on the depth and cadence of Fed rate cuts, which we believe will be a function of decreasing service sector inflation and how much the US economy slows. Additionally, we continue to be concerned about defaults.
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