| Deep losses on bonds from junk-rated U.S. energy and mining firms are rattling even seasoned investors, underscoring the challenges facing these companies amid a prolonged slump in commodity prices. Many bond prices are down 60% or more this year. Oil prices are still low due to a global supply glut, and metals prices are declining as China’s economic growth slows.
The moves are prompting worries that defaults could increase in the coming months, potentially sparking a fresh bout of selling that could spread to other parts of the junk-bond market. Among this year’s worst performers: some Linn Energy LLC bonds have fallen nearly 80%, Penn Virginia Corp. bonds are down 75% and Chesapeake Energy Corp. bonds are down 60%, according to figures from MarketAxess Holdings Inc. All three firms produce oil and natural gas in the U.S...............................................Full Article: Source
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