Yesterday’s US BB CLO BWIC highlighted strong demand for top-tier names with higher MVOC levels, as reflected in their tighter DM prints relative to benchmark levels. Benchmark levels refer to the average DM prints by MVOC and manager tiering, based on BWIC trading colour observed since mid-April.
Using a sample of US BSL CLO BB bonds with reinvestment end dates between 2029 and 2031 that have been placed on BWIC since 14 April (with released trading colour), it is interesting to observe that both MVOC and manager tiering play an important role in pricing. As the loan market improves, MVOC generally strengthens, allowing BB bonds to trade at tighter levels. That said, for top-tier bonds, pricing appears to become less sensitive to further improvements in MVOC once it reaches a level of around 106.
Looking at CLO BB tranches traded via BWICs since 14 April 2026, the table below summarises DM cover levels (or best levels where DNT), grouped by manager tier and MVOC range for deals with reinvestment periods ending in 2029–2031. DMs for top-tier bonds ranged from 499 to 692 bps, mid-tier bonds from 553 to 853 bps, and lower-tier bonds from 597 to 935 bps.
Just as the first signs of spring draw people out into the streets, an improving trading backdrop, combined with post-April payment dates, brought a wave of equity tranches into BWIC last week, with every tranche trading with released covers.
Looking at US BSL CLO BB tranches traded via BWICs since 14 April 2026, the graph below summarises DM cover levels (or best levels where DNT), grouped by manager tier and MVOC range for deals with reinvestment periods ending in 2029–2031.
A relatively small list of EU CLO AAA bonds, including some odd lots, was traded yesterday. Despite their size, they still provide useful reference points for the term structure of AAA DMs, as summarised in the table below.
