Business · Markets · 1 day ago
Rising bond yields raise borrowing costs for weaker companies
Companies often pay higher interest rates than their governments when they borrow by issuing bonds.
But investors are increasingly worried about rising government debt, and some highly rated companies can now borrow on better terms than their governments.
In France, company bonds worth €215 billion currently have lower yields than French government bonds.
That amount is 18 times higher than at the start of the year.
Rising government bond yields are also making it more expensive for companies to refinance their debt.
Strong companies can still manage the cost, but weaker borrowers face much higher interest bills.
Rising government bond yields are increasing refinancing costs for companies, with weaker borrowers facing particularly high interest burdens.
Companies with strong credit ratings can still obtain financing on affordable terms.
In France, bonds issued by companies and worth €215 billion now yield less than French government bonds.
That amount is 18 times higher than at the start of the year, according to Bloomberg data.
The shift reflects investors’ growing concern about rising government debt.
- Who
- Companies issuing bonds, especially weaker borrowers; investors are demanding higher yields.
- What
- Rising bond yields are making company refinancing more expensive, with weaker borrowers facing greater interest costs.
- When
- The change has become apparent in recent weeks.
- Where
- In bond markets, with France cited as a prominent example.
- Why
- Investors’ concern about rising government debt has pushed up government bond yields, affecting company financing.
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The value of French corporate bonds yielding less than French government bonds was 18 times lower than it is now, according to Bloomberg data.
Rising government bond yields began affecting company refinancing costs.
- French corporate bonds
- €215 billion worth yield less than French government bonds
- Change since start of year
- 18 times more French corporate bonds fall into this category, according to Bloomberg data
- Strong-credit companies
- Financing remains affordable
- Weaker borrowers
- Face significantly higher interest burdens











