Yields on speculative-grade corporate debt in the U.S. dropped to an unprecedented 7.163 percent yesterday, breaking the previous record set more than 15 months ago.

Borrowing costs on the Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II index have declined from 8.465 percent at the beginning of this year and a high of 22.651 percent in December 2008. Yields broke the previous record of 7.187 percent from May 19, 2011.

Yields are tumbling as issuers sell junk debt at the fastest pace on record as default rates remain below historic averages and the Federal Reserve pledges to keep borrowing costs low into 2014. Demand is intense enough to lead Bank of America Corp. analysts to say last month that prices were approaching "bubble levels."

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to Treasury & Risk, part of your ALM digital membership.

  • Critical Treasury & Risk information including in-depth analysis of treasury and finance best practices, case studies with corporate innovators, informative newsletters, educational webcasts and videos, and resources from industry leaders.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Treasury & Risk events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including PropertyCasualty360.com and Law.com.
NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.