Rating upgrades moderated in the first half of the financial year as companies faced headwinds from the West Asia conflict, rising crude prices, higher input costs and evolving US tariff measures. Downgrades also declined, though rating agencies cautioned that this may not capture cases where issuers do not cooperate with adverse reviews.
France's bond yields have been rising sharply, with September seeing the largest increase in decades. Investors are concerned about inflation as energy costs continue to rise, impacting fiscal stability. The government plans to issue 340 billion in bonds next year, which could strain its fiscal position further. Economic indicators suggest that pressures on interest rates may remain elevated going forward.
The SEC has proposed new rules to expand access to private assets typically available only to wealthy investors. These rules aim to allow more professionals to qualify as accredited investors, which may lead to higher returns. Critics express concern that this move could expose retail investors to significant risks and fees. Additionally, proposed changes would allow closed-end funds to redeem shares more frequently and offer varied share classes.
