Download PDF The COVID-19 pandemic has not been kind to global airline credit quality. As of February 2021, a total of 21 major global airlines have been downgraded to high yield (HY) status since the start of the pandemic, according to Credit Benchmark data. But that grim statistic does not

The economic damage of the pandemic is far from over, but some sectors are showing the leading indicators of their future recovery.

Get unique additional factor model performance by integrating IHS Markit securities lending data with Credit Benchmark consensus credit risk data. Independent research shows that Credit Benchmark credit consensus data complements and enhances IHS Markit’s short factor data when combined in constructing portfolios. This combination provides enhanced signals in both US

The Oil & Gas sector was in trouble even before the first Covid lockdown, and it was one of the worst credit performers in 2020. Recent credit agency downgrades for some of the US majors have brought these ratings into alignment with the more conservative bank consensus view.

How do the major players in the GameStop short squeeze compare from a credit perspective? While some firms have multiple agency ratings, many are mainly unrated. Consensus data can fill some key gaps in risk management for all players in this complex network.

Government support for UK businesses is due to end in early 2021, leaving many at-risk companies in debt. A significant increase in default rates may be observed as credit becomes less available. New research from Credit Benchmark shows that UK corporates have a ~20% higher chance of defaulting in 2021 compared to a year ago, suggesting that 1 in 150 companies will default this year.