Floating-rate loans deserve consideration as a strategic portfolio allocation because they can offer:
■ Attractive yields – The rate on loans was among the highest global fixed-income sectors (as of 30 April 2016).
■ Protection against interest-rate risk – Loans have near-zero duration and rates that move with the underlying benchmark – typically Libor.
■ A structure designed to mitigate credit risk – Senior/secured positioning in the capital structure offers a layer of protection that is unique in the corporate fixed-income market.
■ A forward-looking allocation – Loans historically have outperformed the broad bond market in flat and rising rate environments. We believe loans are likely to be an important source of diversification in the coming years.
