2026 CLO Issuance Outlook and Closing Views
In a rapid-fire closing round, panelists share their expectations for full-year 2026 CLO issuance. Ben Thompson notes that despite headwinds, issuance is tracking close to 2025's record pace and expects near-record volumes. Till Schweizer anticipates strong volumes once geopolitical clarity emerges. Matthew Layton draws parallels to 2019 — a year of market fatigue after multiple years of rally — and cautions that the current macro risks are more complex and multi-party than last year's tariff situation. Adeel Shafiqullah expresses confidence that dry powder will be deployed, though vintage timing will matter. The panel closes with a consensus that discipline remains intact despite technical imbalances.