Steve

Steve

Credit conditions tighten as banks increase scrutiny

When banks tighten credit conditions, it means they become more cautious about lending money. This tightening usually comes with increased scrutiny of borrowers’ financial health and stricter requirements to qualify for loans. In 2025, this trend has become quite noticeable…

Corporate debt issuance slows to decade-low levels

## Corporate Debt Issuance Slows to Decade-Low Levels: Understanding the Trends The world of corporate debt has been experiencing a significant slowdown in issuance, reaching levels not seen in over a decade. This trend is intriguing, especially when considering the…

High-yield bond spreads widen sharply

High-yield bond spreads widening sharply is a topic that often catches the attention of investors and market watchers alike. To understand why this matters, let’s start with what high-yield bonds are and what these spreads represent. **High-yield bonds**, sometimes called…

10-year Treasury yields reach new post-crisis high

The 10-year Treasury yield recently hit a new post-crisis high, stirring plenty of attention across financial markets. This benchmark interest rate, which reflects investor sentiment about the economy and inflation over the next decade, has climbed to around 4.3%, levels…

Brazil imposes capital controls after currency volatility

Brazil has recently taken a significant step to stabilize its currency amid growing volatility by imposing capital controls. This move comes as the Brazilian real has experienced sharp fluctuations, unsettling markets and raising concerns about economic stability. Capital controls are…

South African GDP contracts on mining disruption

South Africa’s economy is facing a tough patch, with its GDP contracting notably due to disruptions in the mining sector. Mining has long been a cornerstone of the country’s economic landscape, so when this vital industry stumbles, the ripple effects…