“Fake” Bankruptcies, Real Bond Gains

When the economic cycle reaches the point where corporate earnings are plunging, hundreds of companies will come under closer scrutiny and often become distressed. Investors who get in around the low point will realize huge gains. The trick, of course, is figuring out which pose the risk of bankruptcy and which do not.

Moody’s Shows “Hidden” Defaults on the Rise

As escalating default and bankruptcy rates make bond investors increasingly risk-averse, we can expect to see a growing number of basically sound companies’ bonds trading at depressed prices. And that means opportunities for distressed debt investors will increase materially over the next year.

Portfolio Update: Corporate Bankruptcies Reach Financial-Crisis Levels

Corporate bankruptcies are running at their highest rate since 2010, the year after the Great Recession. As defaults rise, investors will likely become more cautious about taking credit risk and it should become easier to find attractive values in lower-quality bonds.

“Quantitative Teasing”: Why QE Is Not Back to Save Your Portfolio (Yet)

The reality is that the Fed’s actions could have the near-opposite effect of QE. Instead of easing financial conditions and boosting asset prices, they’ll likely lead to further tightening and hasten the arrival of the impending credit crunch.