US HY Picks: September 2026
Winnie Cisar: Global Head of Strategy
CreditSights Strategy Team: Analyst
Eric Axon, CFA: Co Head of High Yield, Head of Healthcare
Davis Hebert, CFA: Co Head HY Research, Head of Telecom/Media
Andy DeVries, CFA: Head of Investment Grade, Head of Utilities
Todd Duvick, CFA: Head of Autos
Charles Johnston, CFA: Head of Energy
Wen Li, CFA: Head of Metals & Mining
Nick Moglia, CFA: Senior Analyst, Utilities, REITs & Refiners
Michael O’Brien: Senior Analyst, Paper & Packaging, Homebuilders
Nick Williams: Senior Analyst, Special Situations
Matt Woodruff, CFA: Head of Aerospace & Defense / Transports
Erick Vega, CFA: Senior Analyst, Emerging Markets Corporates
14 September 2026
- How rising yields and stable spreads are reshaping opportunities across the US high yield market.
- What widening quality dispersion reveals about resilience across rating cohorts and individual credits.
- Why improving fund flows have strengthened demand while issuer and sector performance increasingly diverge.
- Which catalysts, refinancing developments, and operational shifts could influence selected high yield issuers.
- Where security selection may uncover differentiated opportunities amid tighter valuations and idiosyncratic risks.
Executive Summary
High yield spreads remain steady while rising rates increase pressure across the market. Yield movements have made credit selection increasingly important.
Quality dispersion continues separating stronger issuers from credits facing company specific challenges. However, rating cohorts are following increasingly different paths.
Positive fund flows are supporting demand for higher quality high yield securities. Issuance patterns also reveal changing preferences across the primary market.
Sector performance varies as operating conditions and market catalysts affect issuers differently. Meanwhile, refinancing activity is reshaping several capital structures.
Security selection can help investors navigate tighter valuations and divergent credit fundamentals. The report explores issuer specific catalysts across multiple sectors.



