U.S Credit Risk Gauge Jumps the Most in 6 Months

U.S. gauges are showing their highest levels of credit risk so far this year, as investors exhibit fresh concern about the state of the country’s economy in light of tariffs and cuts to the federal workforce.

As numerous investment grade borrowers opted against issuing bonds today, the Markit CDX North American Investment Grade Index widened as much as 4.11 basis points (bps)—the most since September 20—to 55.59. The gauge rises as credit risk climbs. The Markit CDX North American High Yield Index, which falls as credit risk increases, declined as much as 84 bps to 106.06—its lowest in six months. Both indexes hit their worst levels of the day in mid-afternoon trading.