AI's Growing Influence on Credit

In the latest episode of "Credit Matters," Stephen Burgess (Head of Leveraged Finance, U.S. Bancorp.) joins Shankar and Bruce to discuss why high-yield bond and leveraged loan spreads are near record tights as investors lock in attractive all-in yields. Stephen shares his view that rates may remain relatively flat for a prolonged period, how a new Fed posture could tighten financial conditions without major rate moves, and what that could mean for spreads and defaults.They examine why defaults remain historically low (strong fundamentals, legacy low-coupon debt, and liability management exercises), how the market differentiates between BB and CCC risk, and the surge in issuance—driven by refinancings and rapidly growing AI/data-center financing with lease-backed structures and guarantees—along with key sector risks, fallen angels, and how AI may change banking workflows.Get in touch: For more information about how IGM's solutions can support your business, visit our website or contact us: https://informaconnect.com/igm/Follow us: Keep up to date with all the latest from IGM by following us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/informa-global-markets