Trump tariff fallout strains U.S. market for risky corporate loans

Leveraged-loan issuance shut down for 2 weeks amid record outflows from funds

20250411N trump-store-closed montage REU

U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs have heightened concerns about a recession that could lead to more defaults by risky borrowers. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Reuters)

HIROFUMI TAKEUCHI

NEW YORK -- The U.S. is showing signs of a credit crunch for high-risk corporate borrowers as tariffs and recession fears rattle investors that had grown complacent about default risks.

On Tuesday, the eve of President Donald Trump's sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs, U.S. investment firm Silver Point Capital announced a $500 million loan facility for compatriot Lakeview Farms for an acquisition and debt refinancing. Lakeview had tried to raise funds from a broader base of investors through leveraged loans, only to be stymied by market turmoil.

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