We explore what private credit, or direct lending, is and how to invest in it. We also show how it is similar to and different from investing in leverage loans and CLOs. Topics covered include: Why more companies are staying private How private credit differs from the leverage loan market Why private credit is growing so rapidly What are the benefits to private credit investing What are liquid and less liquid ways to invest in private credit Show Notes The … [Read more...]
483 Plus: Private Credit, BDCs, CLOs, Cash Balances and Is This Portfolio Too Aggressive
In Plus episode 483, we analyze the Virtus Private Credit ETF (VPC), which invests in business development companies (BDCs), leveraged loans, and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). We review the characteristics of all those asset categories. We also discuss the appropriate cash balance for retirees and consider whether a retired member's portfolio has too much in stocks. … [Read more...]
467 Plus: Fallen Angels, BBB Bonds, Swapping Out Leveraged Loans Funds, and How to Use the Investment Conditions Report
In Plus episode 467, we explain the resources on Money for the Rest of Us Plus to learn about different asset classes. We explore investing in fallen angel bonds, which are bonds that have recently been downgraded to non-investment grade status. We also explore investing in BBB bonds. David explains his recent portfolio change to swap out his leveraged loan exposure. Finally, we review how to use the investment conditions and strategy report. … [Read more...]
452: Beyond Stocks: The Allure and Strategy of Credit Investments
Investing in non-investment grade bonds, leveraged loans, and preferred stocks is potentially more compelling than investing in common stocks at present. Topics covered include: Why Howard Marks told institutional clients to sell stocks and buy high-yield bonds instead The contractual agreements comprising bonds, leveraged loans, and preferred stock give them an advantage relative to common stocks How preferred equity exhibits attributes of both bonds and common stocks What … [Read more...]
423: A “Safe” 6% Yield: The Case for Investment Grade CLOs
How leveraged loans and CLOs work and how to invest in them. What are the risks and opportunities with the new CLO ETFs. Topics covered include: What are the characteristics of leveraged loans and how David has invested in them in the past, both professionally and personally. Why LIBOR reference rate for leveraged loans is being phased out What is the current investing climate for leveraged loans How collateralized loan obligation work Why insurance companies are fighting … [Read more...]
305: Are Banks Safe?
Is a bank collapse coming due to bank exposure to collateralized loan obligations as defaults increase? Topics covered include What are collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), how are they structured, and what has been their historical default rates. How much exposure do banks have to CLOs and will it impact your bank savings and investments. What are bank capital ratios and how are they calculated. How banks are more conservatively run due to the adoption of the Basel III … [Read more...]
206: Be Bear Aware of Bank Loans
Why the leveraged loan market (i.e. bank loans) is becoming more risky. What are collateralized loan obligations and how do they influence bank loans. Why I will sell my bank loans fund when the economy turns. Photo by Paul Wellner Bou In this episode you’ll learn: What are the characteristics of bank loans. How bank loan prices adjust based on expectations regarding default. Why bank loans are getting more risky. What have bank loans returns historically. Show … [Read more...]
