Capital raising poll 2005THE EUROPEAN CREDIT market's growth shows few signs of slowing in the medium term despite the longevity of the bull market and clear signs that structures and valuations are being stretched beyond historical limits. Indeed, debt capital markets bankers predict another upsurge in credit as a confluence of factors conspires to feed a party that continues to flourish.
Whatever the sector investment grade, high yield, emerging markets or structured credit or the sub-sector financials, corporate or public sector the picture is largely the same: investors are still in buying mode and they don't mind paying top prices.
In many respects, debt capital markets have never been so straightforward. Spreads are tight, yields are low and the regulatory and economic environments offer constructive conditions for borrowers. Meanwhile, heightened liquidity has pushed the hunt for yield to the forefront, making it...