
In the third quarter of 2025, the Morningstar LSTA US Leveraged Loan Index posted a return of 1.77%. This positive trend indicates a period of recovery and stabilization in the asset class, especially after a turbulent preceding quarter and the market's adjustment to the year's first interest rate cut. Such stabilization is a critical factor for investors looking for consistent returns in a fluctuating economic environment.
Despite the favorable market conditions, several significant risks continue to challenge loan-market issuers. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs remains a major concern, potentially impacting international trade and corporate profitability. Furthermore, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence introduces both opportunities and threats, with the potential for considerable disruption across various sectors. These factors collectively could exert downward pressure on economic growth, affecting both domestic and global markets.
A key element contributing to the fund's success was its strategic positioning in collateralized loan obligation (CLO) debt securities and high yield debt securities. These allocations provided resilience and growth opportunities, allowing the fund to capitalize on specific market segments. CLOs, which pool various types of loans into a single product, can offer attractive yields, while high yield debt, despite its higher risk, can provide substantial returns when managed effectively. The fund's ability to leverage these instruments underscores a proactive investment strategy.