Even though middle market loan volume increased by 27% to US$67.2bn in 2Q24, many middle market lenders found sufficient opportunities hard to come by in the most recent quarter, according to LSEG LPC’s 3Q24 Middle Market Outlook Survey. A clear majority of respondents (71%) said they were not able to lend as much as they wanted in 2Q24. This was the case for both banks (78%) and direct lenders (65%). Many cited lack of new money deal flow and the competitive landscape as the biggest factors impacting lending opportunities. On a more positive note, lenders said add-ons were a good place to put money to work in the most recent quarter.
Latest news
US leveraged loans returns turn negative in October
The Bloomberg US Leveraged Loan Index (Ticker: LOAN) has returned -0.26% this month through October 21, reducing its year-to-date return…
M&A activity begins to tick upward
In the third quarter of 2026, acquisition-linked loan volume across North America and Europe reached about $47 billion, up from $30.6 billion in Q2 and $29.5 billion a year ago.
