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Public Fixed Income

High Yield: Playing it Down the Middle

October 2023 – 4 min read

High yield looks well-positioned in today’s uncertain environment, not only due to current yield levels, but also because of the historically high credit quality of the market.

High yield markets have continued to shine thus far in 2023. In the third quarter, much of the strong performance in bonds and loans came as a result of expectations that the Federal Reserve may be nearing the end of its rate-hiking agenda, and growing optimism that an economic soft landing may be achievable. But the potential for a recession in the months ahead—especially if stickier inflation leads to a prolonged “higher-for-longer” rate environment—coupled with concerns that credit spreads are trading toward the tighter end of historical averages, begs the question: can the strength in the asset class continue? In our view, there is still value to be found in high yield, and if investors can remain patient, potentially attractive total returns await. However, careful credit selection will be as important as ever going forward.

A Higher-Quality Market

Many high yield companies have been shoring up their financial positions over the last few years, leaving them well-prepared, from a fundamental standpoint, to weather a possible downturn. Indeed, corporate leverage remained at healthy levels at the end of the second quarter, at 3.6x in the U.S. and 3.8x in Europe.1 At the same time, interest coverage remained high at 3.2x in the U.S. and 5.5x in Europe.2 This suggests that most high yield issuers are in a position to continue servicing their debt, even through a period of economic weakness. That said, if interest rates do remain higher for longer and begin to more negatively impact economic growth and consumption levels, we will likely see further deterioration in company margins, especially among issuers in more cyclical sectors.

Adding to the resiliency of the high yield market is its high credit quality, with BBs currently comprising over half the market and CCC and below issuers accounting for 10% (Figure 1). In addition, many high yield companies took advantage of the low rates in 2020 and 2021 to issue new debt and lock in low borrowing costs. The debt proceeds were predominantly used for refinancing purposes, which essentially pushed out the debt maturity profile of the market. Given the combination of a higher credit quality profile, limited near-term maturities, ample cash cushions and financial discipline, we believe default rates—although inching up due to some idiosyncratic cases—are likely to remain around 3%.3 Even if a recession arrives in the coming months, a sharp increase in defaults looks unlikely.

Figure 1: A Higher-Quality Market

hy-playing-chart1.jpgSource: Bank of America. As of September 30, 2023.

Not the Time to Take Excessive Risk

That many high yield issuers are starting from a position of strength is certainly a positive given the several unknowns shaping today’s investment landscape. However, high yield, unlike equities, does not require strong economic growth to perform well. Rather, what matters more in high yield is an issuer’s ability to continue to meet the interest payments on its outstanding debt obligations. And issuers will prioritize doing this over other expenditures, particularly those that may be discretionary or optional in nature, such as share buybacks or M&A activity.

Even so, now is arguably not the time to dip into lower-quality credits to achieve a potentially higher return. This is particularly true given that the higher-rated parts of the high yield market continue to offer a compelling risk-reward picture. BB high yield bonds, for instance, are currently yielding around 7.5%, while yields on the rest of the high yield market are above 9%.4 While yields are trending higher—offering a cushion against potential downside scenarios—prices in some cases are trading at discounts of around 10-15%.5 From a historical perspective, yields and prices near current levels are rare and have historically led to strong double-digit returns over the following 12 months (Figure 2). These reasons are not only providing a case for high yield investing on an absolute basis, but also in comparison to equities. In particular, a number of investors are shifting away from higher risk assets such as equities, and moving toward the attractive yields and more defensive characteristics on offer in the high yield market.

Figure 2: Valuations at Current Levels Have Historically Led to Double-Digit 12-Month Forward Returns

hy-playing-chart2.jpgSource: Barings and ICE BofA. As of September 30, 2023. Global High Yield bond market represented by the ICE BofA Non-Financial Developed Market High Yield Constrained Index (USD Hedged) (HNDC). Total return next 12 months represents the return for the index for the 12 months following the price as of each date. Time period shown is the start of 2010 to the end of 2022 using month-end values. For illustrative purposes only. This analysis is intended to demonstrate only the specific elements discussed. This analysis does not represent all of the elements and variables that could be factored into the potential outcome.

Looking across the market, we also see value in high yield loans today. Coupons on these floating-rate instruments continue to look very attractive, and yields are currently hovering around 10%.6 On a risk-adjusted basis, considering loans have historically exhibited relatively low volatility and are secured by a company’s assets, we believe the asset class looks very compelling.

Cautious Optimism

There is certainly potential going forward for the economy to broadly adjust to what may be the “new normal” of higher interest rates. But a cautious approach will nonetheless be crucial, particularly given the potential for a more challenging scenario to unfold. In particular, if the widely expected soft landing turns out to be harder, the sudden onset of a downturn—after the economy has skirted one for so long—could trigger negative overreactions in the market. There is also the potential for inflation to reaccelerate and more meaningfully impact profit margins, which could lead to a stagflationary scenario. As a result, while we continue to believe there is value to be had in high yield, particularly given the higher credit quality of the market, a credit-intensive approach to investing will be critical in the months ahead.

1. Source: Bloomberg. As of June 30, 2023.
2. Source: Bloomberg. As of June 30, 2023.
3. Source: J.P. Morgan. As of September 30, 2023.
4. Source: Bloomberg. As of September 30, 2023.
5. Source: J.P. Morgan, Bank of America. As of June 30, 2023.
6. Source: Bloomberg, Credit Suisse. As of September 30, 2023.

Adrienne Butler

Head of Global CLOs

Scott Roth, CFA

Head of Global High Yield

Chris Sawyer

Head of European High Yield

The document is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument or service. The material herein was prepared without any consideration of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of anyone who may receive it. This document is not, and must not be treated as, investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment research.

In making an investment decision, prospective investors must rely on their own examination of the merits and risks involved and before making any investment decision, it is recommended that prospective investors seek independent investment, legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice as appropriate.

Unless otherwise mentioned, the views contained in this document are those of Barings. These views are made in good faith in relation to the facts known at the time of preparation and are subject to change without notice. Parts of this document may be based on information received from sources we believe to be reliable. Although every effort is taken to ensure that the information contained in this document is accurate, Barings makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information.

Any forecasts in this document are based upon Barings opinion of the market at the date of preparation and are subject to change without notice, dependent upon many factors. Any prediction, projection or forecast is not necessarily indicative of the future or likely performance. Any investment results, portfolio compositions and/or examples set forth in this document are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not indicative of any future investment results, future portfolio composition or investments. The composition, size of, and risks associated with an investment may differ substantially from any examples set forth in this document. No representation is made that an investment will be profitable or will not incur losses. Where appropriate, changes in the currency exchange rates may affect the value of investments.

Investment involves risks. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Investors should not only base on this document alone to make investment decision.

This document is issued by Baring Asset Management (Asia) Limited. It has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.

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