Companies Run To Bond Markets After Last Week's Fed Rate Cut

BY Benzinga | CORPORATE | 09/23/24 07:08 PM EDT

Online furniture retailer Wayfair Inc. (W) said on Monday that it is offering $700 million in secured notes to repay some of its debt, joining other companies’ run to the debt markets less than a week after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in four years.

The Fed lowered its key interest rate on Wednesday by an unexpected 50 basis points to a range between 4.75% and 5%, setting in motion an expected gradual decrease in rates on bonds, car loans, mortgages and anything else with an interest rate.

Wayfair (W) said the proceeds from the notes, which will mature in 2029, go towards paying back certain convertible senior notes and general corporate purposes.

Read Also: Fed Rate Cut Fuels Market Rally Amidst Valuation Fears

Wayfair (W) is not alone in its dash for debt as 10 high-grade issuers ? including TMobile US, Inc. ? are looking to raise money from borrowing in the junk-bond market, a flurry that could result in $20 billion to $25 billion in deals this week, Bloomberg reported.

The average yield in the U.S. investment-grade and high-yield bond markets fell after the Fed rate cut, enticing issuers into the market.

Cigarette-filter maker Cerdia Holdings issued $800 million in debt to refinance notes due 2027 and pay for a shareholder distribution.

Australian coal miner Coronado Global Resources (OTC:CODQL) launched a $400 million offer to redeem its 2026 notes, while U.S.-based telecommunications company Windstream Holdings, Inc. put together a $1.3 billion debt package through the loan and bond markets to refinance loans.

Price Action: Investment banks that underwrite corporate bonds saw gains and losses on Monday.

  • Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) declined 0.7% to close at $64.93
  • JPMorgan & Chase Co. (JPM) rose 0.17% to close at $211.44
  • Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS). slipped 0.2% to close at $497.41

Read Now:

  • Fed Rate Cut May Drive Investors Away From Money Markets, Says Portfolio Manager

Photo: Shutterstock

In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.

Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.

Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

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