Michael Buchanan
Showing 1–4 of 4 transcripts.
- Milken Institute45 min
Credit Markets in Transition | Global Conference 2025
Michael Piwowar, Michael Buchanan, Peter Gleysteen, Deborah Orida, Michael Zawadzki, Mike Pivovar, Mike Buchanan
Panelists analyzed the current macroeconomic landscape characterized by tariff uncertainty and Federal Reserve rate cuts, while highlighting a $30 trillion private credit market reshaped by regulatory changes that drive capital from banks to non-competitive partners. Industry leaders identified investment opportunities in infrastructure, asset-backed finance, and investment-grade credit, noting that resilient fundamentals and low leverage support default rates under 50 basis points despite weakening investor sentiment. The discussion concluded with a strategic pivot toward multi-asset credit approaches and structural diversification to mitigate volatility risks and capitalize on market dislocations for tactical offense.
- Milken Institute1h 1m
Credit Markets Forging Ahead | Milken Institute Global Conference 2024
Will Caiger-Smith, Ashley Baum, Michael Buchanan, Lee Kruter, Michael Patterson
A panel of investors analyzed the post-tightening fixed income landscape, highlighting how rising Treasury yields severely impacted duration-sensitive assets while high-yield and bank loan sectors demonstrated resilience through credit risk isolation. The Texas Teachers Retirement System outlined its opportunistic credit strategy, deploying $7.5 billion into asset-based financing and real estate loans while navigating a market where private credit's dominance is receding amid a sharp rebound in syndicated loan issuance. Furthermore, the discussion addressed the evolution of distress dynamics, noting that while modern covenants masked default rates, a wave of coercive liability management exercises and covenant erosion now signals an impending cycle of stricter documentation and reduced recovery rates.
- Milken Institute1h 2m
Credit Markets: Back to Neutral?
Mary Childs, Michael Buchanan, Mike Damaso, Jude Driscoll, Justin Slatky, Anne Walsh, Mike Buchanan
Panelists at this December 2018 credit market forum identified an extended credit cycle and deteriorating covenant quality as primary drivers of systemic risk, highlighting the fragility of the BBB sector and the shift from bank-driven to buy-side storage businesses. The discussion detailed specific vulnerabilities such as a looming "wall of maturities" for fallen angels, potential liquidity mismatches in the burgeoning private credit market, and regulatory constraints that have stripped dealers of their traditional role as market stabilizers. Ultimately, active managers were advised to monitor corporate leverage ratios and new issuance structures for early distress signals, positioning themselves to capitalize on anticipated volatility and generate alpha during the next downturn.
- Milken Institute58 min
What's Next in the Hunt for Yield in Credit?
Justin Baer, Michael Buchanan, Robert Kricheff, AJ Murphy, Fred Orlan, Christian Stracke, Mike Buchanan
A panel of financial experts assessed the current credit cycle as entering its latter innings, citing record corporate debt levels and a flattening yield curve alongside a shift toward a more volatile market environment without a near-term recession. While high-yield issuance has slowed and leveraged buyout ratios have climbed, strategists note that passive ETF flows are distorting prices and creating crowding risks that favor active management. The discussion concluded with recommendations to pivot toward floating-rate loans, senior CLO tranches, and specific distressed opportunities to navigate the asymmetrical risks of the current macroeconomic landscape.