
Know More. Risk Better.
Deep dives on what’s shaping the credit markets, brought to you by the expert analysts at CreditSights.
Latest episodes

Sep 24, 2024 • 26min
A New State of Play in European Autos
In the latest episode of the "Know More. Risk Better." podcast, host Logan Miller, Head of European Strategy at CreditSights, is joined by Jim Williamson, Senior European Autos Analyst. They cover key developments in the European automotive sector, including the shift from volume to value, the impact of rising dealer inventories, declining used car prices, and the challenges posed by stringent emissions regulations and Chinese EV competition. The discussion also touches on recent changes in sector recommendations and specific stock picks for investors.

Sep 19, 2024 • 36min
Decoding U.S. Consumer Trends: Spending Patterns and Market Indicators
On CreditSights' "Know More. Risk Better." podcast, Jesse Rosenthal, James Goldstein, and James Dunn join host Winnie Caesar to delve into the pressing questions surrounding consumer behavior and market conditions. They explore the current state of consumer health, spending patterns, and key indicators that signal broader market trends. Gain valuable insights into which metrics our experts rely on to forecast consumer spending and understand the underlying factors influencing the market today. Tune in to uncover the nuances and expert analyses that shape our understanding of the consumer landscape. Discover how factors like retail sales, credit card data, and discretionary spending are influencing the market, and what this means for the future of consumer behavior.

Sep 17, 2024 • 26min
Navigating Tight Pricing and Leverage in Private Credit
Andrew Hedlund, Managing Editor at LevFin Insights, shares his expertise on the shifting landscape of private credit. He discusses the potential Federal Reserve rate cuts and their favorable effects on borrowers amid tight pricing. The conversation shifts to high leverage in deals and an impressive deal pipeline, highlighting Ares' $34 billion fundraising feat. Macroeconomic influences, default concerns, and strategic payment options are also tackled, with a spotlight on the healthcare sector's unique challenges during economic downturns.

Sep 12, 2024 • 33min
European Leveraged Finance Update: Issuance, Demand, and Market Sentiment
In the latest episode of the Know More. Risk Better. podcast, host Logan Miller, Head of European Strategy at CreditSights, is joined by Luke Millar, Global Editor-in-Chief of LevFin Insights, to explore current developments and forward-looking trends in the European leveraged finance markets.
They delve into key topics such as the performance of the high-yield market, driven by a recovery in stressed sectors like real estate, elevated carry from high starting yields and narrowing credit risk premiums. The discussion also covers the dynamics between fixed and floating rate leveraged debt, the market's appetite for risk, the pivotal role of CLOs, and the outlook for future issuance and refinancing activities amid shifting interest rates and M&A pipelines.

Sep 10, 2024 • 31min
Leveraged Loan Primary Insights: From Market Technicals to Fund Flows
In the latest episode of CreditSights' "Know More. Risk Better." podcast, host Winnie Cisar is joined by Kerry Kantin, US Bureau Chief at LevFin Insights. They delve into the recent increase in M&A and LBO-related financings against the backdrop of a falling-rate environment, resulting in a $39 billion leveraged loan pipeline. The discussion highlights how falling base rates benefit loan issuers and underscores repricing activities that extend loan maturities. Additionally, the episode covers fund flows, market technicals, and return prospects, noting that high-yield bonds should get a boost as rates decline. It wraps up with an insightful discussion on SOFR floors and CSAs in loan documentation.

Sep 5, 2024 • 31min
Welcome Back!
The Know More Risk Better is back for Season 07! Join our host Winnie Cisar, Global Head of Strategy as she is joined by Logan Miller, European Head of Strategy, as they set the stage for the season ahead.
This episode covers recent market dynamics and year-end expectations, focusing on US & European investment-grade (IG) and high-yield (HY) markets. Key topics include robust primary market activities, consumer trends, economic outlooks, US job reports' impact on credit spreads, and anticipated central bank easing cycles. They also examine the potential market implications of the upcoming US elections and the revival of the debt ceiling debate.

Jul 18, 2024 • 37min
Legal Landscapes: How Supreme Court Rulings Reshape Finance
In the latest episode of "Know More, Risk Better," hosts Winnie Cisar and Zach Griffiths are joined by Mark Lightner, Head of Special Situations Legal Research at CreditSights, to discuss the ripple effects of two of the U.S. Supreme Court’s blockbuster decisions from this term: Purdue Pharma, which held that third-party releases are not allowed in bankruptcy, and Loper Bright, which overturned the 40-year-old Chevron deference doctrine for federal agency rule making.

Jul 16, 2024 • 24min
Navigating the New Space Race: Starlink's Impact on Satellite Communications
Host Winnie Cisar is joined by Head of TMT, Davis Hebert to discuss Starlink's influence on the satellite sector. They explore Starlink's expansive low Earth orbit satellite system for global broadband service, its financial journey without corporate bonds, and its impact on established satellite players and potential regulatory challenges it faces.

Jul 11, 2024 • 33min
Back to the Ballot: The U.S. Presidential Election in Focus
In this timely episode of "Know More. Risk Better," host Zach Griffiths invites guest Ross Schapp of GeoQuant to dissect the evolving U.S. political landscape post-debate and its implications for investment strategies. They delve into the nuanced dynamics of party control, Biden's steadfast candidacy, and how these factors could influence market risks and fiscal policy as we approach the November elections.

Jul 9, 2024 • 60min
Macro to Micro: CreditSights' 2H24/1H25 Outlook Webinar
In the latest episode of "Know More. Risk Better.", CreditSights' strategists covering the U.S., Europe and EM unpack their mid-2024 to mid-2025 market outlook. They outline their preference for fixed over floating rate product, duration over credit risk and provide their rationale for recommending more defensive portfolio positioning. During the webinar they poll the audience to get a sense of client positioning and perception of economic and financial market risks. Finally, they answer top-of-mind questions from our broad base of global fixed income market clients.