Moody's Raises Concerns About Weakening Credit Quality in the US Middle Market CLOs

Published: 15 May 2025
Credit quality in US middle market Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) shows signs of deterioration, warns rating agency Moody's.

The credit health of middle-market Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) in the US appears to be deteriorating, according to leading credit rating agency, Moody’s. This recent revelation sparks concerns over potential financial instability and comes as a wake-up call for investors and stakeholders alike.

CLOs, packages of corporate loans bundled together and sold to investors, have become increasingly popular as investment vehicles. However, the shifting tides in the credit quality of middle-market CLOs hint at possible future turbulence. The weakening credit quality is seen as a sign of increasing risk, reflecting potential difficulties that underlying businesses may be having in repaying their obligations. Moody’s latest warning rings an alarm bell for participants in the credit market, urging caution and fostering awareness of the rising tide of risk.