All Credit articles
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White papersArtificial Intelligence for Behavioral Finance
Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques, have been extensively used in consumer finance to assess credit risk, develop automated models for loan attribution, and forecast households’ insurance claims and spending. However, their application in analyzing retail investors’ behaviors and designing tools to shape financial advice has emerged more recently.
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White papersPrivate credit’s evolution
The private credit market has experienced remarkable growth, reaching $1.7 trillion in assets under management and 13% annual growth since the 2008 financial crisis. Rather than signalling a bubble, this expansion represents the evolution of a maturing asset class, offering institutional investors compelling opportunities for those who can navigate its increasing complexity.
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White papersHow Banks and Private Markets Are Redefining Credit
The U.S. banking industry is entering a new era in which regulated banks and private lenders are increasingly intertwined. We believe this trend will continue to open attractive opportunities for dynamic allocation across the credit spectrum.
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White papersFixed Income Outlook: Why flexibility will be key for fixed income investors in 2026
Despite no shortage of challenges and obstacles, returns across fixed income asset classes have been largely positive in 2025, with income levels a major contributing factor.
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White papersFixed income in the new policy order
We see a continuation of the diversification trend seen in 2026. Fixed income investors may be underestimating the risk stemming from US expansionary fiscal policy. We see opportunities in inflation break-evens, and yield curve steepening later in the year. Quality credit becomes a core allocation for fixed income investors, thanks to sound fundamentals and a better risk-return profile compared to Treasuries. European bonds remain a key call for 2026, with a focus on peripheral bonds and investment grade credit, particularly in financials.
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White papersCredit Markets Face the AI Wave
As tech giants tap credit markets to finance artificial intelligence, we consider the broader impacts of AI on fixed income.
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White papersAhead of the Curve: Economic convergence and what it could mean for bond investors
This year has seen huge shifts in the macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape. Principles such as free trade, globalisation and central bank independence that have underpinned the global economy for decades are being challenged. Despite this, credit spreads are at all-time tight levels and equity markets at historic highs.
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VideoDirect Lending: Built for the Long Run
We’ve been active in the middle market for decades—helping investors navigate changing markets with a focus on capital preservation and long-term alignment.
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White papersBeyond mixed signals - A focus on Income
Although earnings growth may be slowing, corporate balance sheets remain in good shape, with generally low levels of debt. Over the past several years, these healthy fundamentals have translated into higher average levels of quality and fewer defaults within the investment-grade corporate, high-yield and securitised credit sectors.
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White papersHigh Yield: Strategies for a Shifting Market
High yield continues to be a credible source of income and diversification in today’s environment—but broad market beta is unlikely to deliver outsized returns, making security selection and disciplined positioning paramount.
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Webinar2026 Global Fixed Income Outlook
In a 45-minute webinar, the Barings team will explore what 2026 may hold for global fixed income markets featuring investment leaders across high yield, emerging markets debt, CLOs, and investment grade credit. From tariffs and geopolitics to interest rate moves, the discussion will cut through the noise to identify the signals that actually matter for investors.
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White papersRecent Credit Stress a Canary in the Coal Mine?
While idiosyncratic credit risk is beginning to emerge, signs of broader credit or systemic stress are still sparse.
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White papersAre (private credit) cracks widening?
Market Snapshot is a weekly view from our portfolio managers, offering sharp, thematic insights into the trends shaping markets right now.
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VideoWhy should investors consider private credit in today’s market?
Middle market direct lending offers a compelling opportunity in today’s market — combining attractive yield, downside protection, and real portfolio diversification.
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White papersCredit spreads: Is there something you’re not telling me?
Corporate bond markets are showing signs of complacency, with tight spreads masking deep macroeconomic and geopolitical risks. In a market facing elevated government debt levels, questions around central bank independence, as well as both macro and micro economic risks, Harriet Habergham unpicks how bond investors can navigate this environment.
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White papersSeeing the Opportunity in Volatility
Recent volatility related to U.S.-China trade tensions and credit risk in the banking sector is a stark reminder of macro risks that continue to stalk global markets—and how hard and fast they can hit.
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White papersFixed income: Opportunity amid global divergence
Opportunity amid global divergence: Amid global policy divergence and persistent macro uncertainty, fixed income markets are entering a new phase of elevated yields, resilient fundamentals and wider dispersion—making active management and selective credit positioning key.
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White papersMIM Public Market Signals for Private Real Estate Investors Part II: Risk Assessment
Housing supply is tight in the Midwest and Northeast; inventory is building up in the Sun Belt
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White papersHow can investors lean into blended finance structures: demystifying credit enhancements
Blended finance structures are key to deploying catalytic capital coming from public, philanthropic, and private sector sources. The combination of the three allow for investors to pool essential capital meeting sustainable or development financing needs (e.g., SDGs, NDCs) in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs).
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White papersLessons from First Brands and Tricolor
While idiosyncratic issues seem to have driven these recent corporate failures, they serve as a reminder of the importance of credit risk as the cycle matures.
