Viewpoints

Conversations - 8 min read

High Yield: Identifying Value Amid Shifting Sentiment

Despite the sharp turns in high yield markets over the past two quarters, companies ticked along without flinching—posting strong earnings over the course. David Mihalick, Barings’ Head of U.S. High Yield Investments, explains why.

High Yield Bonds & Loans: Where to Next?

High yield markets roared back in the first quarter. Can market fundamentals and technicals support continued strength? And how should investors factor in risks ranging from possible recession, to ratings downgrades, to liquidity concerns? Barings’ David Mihalick weighs in.

Podcast - 27 min listen

Conversations - 6 min read

Private Credit: How Supply/Demand Dynamics are Shaping the Landscape

Ian Fowler, Co-Head of the North American Private Finance Group, discusses the dynamics of each middle market segment—including upper-end style shift resulting from competitive pressures—and explains why the traditional middle is the sweet spot.

Is There Style Drift in Middle Market Lending?

Barings’ Ian Fowler weighs in on the supply/demand dynamics in the direct lending space and explains why looking at the middle market as one cohesive universe can be misleading.

Podcast - 25 min listen

Conversations - 6 min read

German Equities Present Opportunities to Combat Headwinds

In this Q&A, Rob Smith, Manager of the Barings German Growth strategy, shares his thoughts on how German equities are positioned to combat various headwinds, and which sectors the team expects future growth to come from.

Enterprise Software: Valuation Matters

While industry dynamics remain healthy and growth prospects exist, current enterprise software valuations look stretched.

Short View - 3 min read

Tempering Enthusiasm for Mexico’s Corporate Bond Market

Omotunde Lawal, Head of EM Corporate Debt, reports back from a recent trip to Mexico, where the Barings team conducted on-the-ground research through meetings with a wide variety of corporate issuers, economists and ratings agencies.

Short View - 5 min read

Multi Asset

Forecasting The Next Decade: An Analysis Of Asset Returns

Barings Multi Asset Group combines the underlying factors that will drive markets over the long term with today’s valuations to produce total return forecasts for major asset classes over the next ten years.

Insights - 21 min read

Conversations - 9 min read

Why Russia May be Set for an Explosion in E-commerce Growth

Historically a laggard in the e-commerce world, Russia is showing signs of life. But challenges remain.

Short View - 3 min read

Alternatives

Intangible Assets: The Royal Opportunity Set

A subset of Intangibles, pharmaceutical royalties present a particularly compelling investment opportunity. Barings’ Jon Rotolo and David Jin explain why.

An Active Approach to International Smaller Companies

Barings’ Nick Williams discusses the characteristics of the International Smaller Companies asset class, and explains why an active approach to investing in the sector best positions investors to generate attractive returns.

Insights - 9 min read

EM Debt: Investing with Cautious Optimism

Sovereign debt outperformed in Q1 as geopolitical headlines continued to garner attention and commodities rallied. Risks remain for the asset class but some notable headwinds have now become tailwinds.

Structured Credit: Receding Headwinds Support CLO Performance

CLOs rebounded in the first quarter as credit concerns receded. Lower interest rates may drive continued interest in the asset class moving forward.

IG Credit: Can the Rally Last?

BBB-rated credits led the first quarter recovery despite early signs of deterioration among fundamentals. With spreads significantly tighter this year, short duration credits may pose an attractive investment option.

High Yield: A Swift Rebound

High yield bonds and loans posted a strong Q1 following the technically induced Q4 sell-off. With defaults still near historical lows, current spreads provide attractive risk-adjusted return potential.