Q1 Shows Full Extent of Leveraged Finance Slowdown

The U.S. leveraged loan market suffered its worst performaing quarter in history during the first quarter of 2008, according to Fitch Ratings.

Issuance and total return also deteriorated significantly in U.S. high yield market. Total U.S. syndicated loan issuance fell dramatically during 1Q08 to just $165.9 billion, down 49% from $324.8 billion during 4Q07.

Leveraged buy-out lending also slowed to a near standstill in the first quarter.

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