A broadening of equity market performance beyond U.S. mega-caps was one of our key themes for 2025—right now, Europe is where it is playing out most notably.
In early March, exceptional market movements were observed as German 10-year Bund yields marked the largest weekly increase since the 1990s. This rare event coincided with Germany’s significant fiscal shift, including proposals for infrastructure fund and reforms to the debt brake. These measures, alongside geopolitical uncertainties and Europe’s response to the manufacturing crisis, have reshaped economic prospects. For investors, the rise in yields and widening credit spreads present compelling opportunities to extend duration and capitalize on attractive market conditions.
We believe that in 2025 the European leveraged loan market will broaden its appeal to investors as a significant asset class to consider. While it has been well established in the US, it has grown significantly in recent years in Europe, with its market size currently close to that of the European high yield bond market.