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KBRA Releases Research – The Forward Look—U.S. Credit Insights: Q4 2025

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA releases its quarterly report highlighting our Chief Strategist Van Hesser’s view on key economic indicators, as well as what he identifies as the most influential factors driving credit markets in the upcoming quarter. The report also examines credit market valuations in the context of current and future market conditions.

Key factors driving credit market conditions in Q4 include improving definition around points of ongoing policy uncertainty, the ability of the consumer to maintain robust spending in the face of slowdown, and the Federal Reserve’s reaction to the simultaneous threats to its dual mandate. On the policy front, we expect to gain clearer insight into the effects of fully implemented tariffs and immigration restrictions. Although economic growth is being driven primarily by two narrowly defined engines—wealthy consumers and technology investment—we believe the backdrop for credit remains constructive with a solid foundation for corporate earnings growth that keeps default and recession risks within reasonable bounds.

The favorable, if imperfect, backdrop enhances the relative value appeal of credit—especially in subsectors such as structured credit and private credit—where investors can pick up yield due to complexity and/or illiquidity.

Click here to view the report.

About KBRA

KBRA, one of the major credit rating agencies, is registered in the U.S., EU, and the UK. KBRA is recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency in Taiwan, and is also a Designated Rating Organization for structured finance ratings in Canada. As a full-service credit rating agency, investors can use KBRA ratings for regulatory capital purposes in multiple jurisdictions.

Doc ID: 1011658

Contacts

Van Hesser, Senior Managing Director, Chief Strategist
+1 646-731-2305
van.hesser@kbra.com

Media Contact

Adam Tempkin, Senior Director of Communications
+1 646-731-1347
adam.tempkin@kbra.com

Business Development Contact

Dana Bunting, Senior Managing Director
+1 646-731-2419
dana.bunting@kbra.com

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC

Details
Headquarters: New York City, New York
CEO: Jim Nadler
Employees: 400+
Organization: PRI

Release Versions

Contacts

Van Hesser, Senior Managing Director, Chief Strategist
+1 646-731-2305
van.hesser@kbra.com

Media Contact

Adam Tempkin, Senior Director of Communications
+1 646-731-1347
adam.tempkin@kbra.com

Business Development Contact

Dana Bunting, Senior Managing Director
+1 646-731-2419
dana.bunting@kbra.com

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