The corporate bond market posted another positive month of excess returns (79 basis points for Barclays Corporate Bond Index). Spread tightening continues in all broad sectors with Finance outperforming, as compression continues between Finance and Utilities/Industrials (Exhibit 1). However, like the equity market, the corporate market has softened recently, as the economic data has been weaker than expected and headlines about unemployment, foreclosures, and budget deficits persist, reminding all of us that a strong recovery is not a “sure thing.” Unlike the consensus of a “V” shaped recovery, we continue to position portfolios for a “U” shaped recovery. We remain concerned with the consumer, housing (both commercial and residential), the government’s role (i.e., exit strategy), and the strength of a recovery on the back of businesses that face more stringent regulation and the prospect for higher taxes, direct and indirect.

Exhibit 1

AAM Corp Credit 10-09 2

Source: Barclays Capital Market Analytics

Business investment, not consumer spending, has been cited as the source for near term GDP growth not only for the U.S., but for many other countries as well. Economists focus on the inventory drawdown or “output gap” that exists and the positive effects the inventory re-build will have on GDP growth and inflation. We also look to other sources of business investment, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital spending, and note the very low levels at which they are at today and the cash that is available (Exhibit 2). A “U” shaped recovery lends itself to M&A, as companies need to consolidate to accelerate growth. Therefore, we believe this will increase, especially in low/no growth industries such as Finance, Telecommunications, Media, and Consumer Products. Capital spending is more difficult to forecast given management’s reluctance to invest in a weak global economy. We expect industries that are commodities based, like Energy and Metals and Mining, to increase capital spending given the demand from Asia and other higher growth countries.

We anticipate less investment being made in special dividends and share repurchases due to the competing investment opportunities that exist, as more companies are looking to sell or shed assets and at the same time, acquisition multiples are lower and financing is still relatively cheap.

Exhibit 2

AAM Corp Credit 10-09 1

This outlook keeps us positive on business led growth, which should help temper the negative drag from the consumer and withdrawal of government spending. However, recognizing the importance of both the consumer and government in this recovery, it also keeps us defensive and highly selective with credits and industries.

This information is developed using publicly available information, internally developed data and outside sources believed to be reliable.  While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the facts stated and the opinions given are accurate, complete and reasonable, liability is expressly disclaimed by AAM and any affiliates (collectively known as ‘AAM’), and their respective officers and employees.  Any opinions and/or recommendations expressed are subject to change without notice.

This information is distributed to recipients including AAM, any of which may have acted on the basis of the information, or may have an ownership interest in securities to which the information relates.  It may also be distributed to clients of AAM, as well as to other recipients with whom no such client relationship exists.  Providing this information does not, in and of itself, constitute a recommendation by AAM, nor does it imply that the purchase or sale of any security is suitable for the recipient.

Disclaimer: Asset Allocation & Management Company, LLC (AAM) is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specializing in fixed-income asset management services for insurance companies. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This information was developed using publicly available information, internally developed data and outside sources believed to be reliable. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the facts stated and the opinions given are accurate, complete and reasonable, liability is expressly disclaimed by AAM and any affiliates (collectively known as “AAM”), and their representative officers and employees. This report has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent a complete analysis of any security, company or industry discussed. Any opinions and/or recommendations expressed are subject to change without notice and should be considered only as part of a diversified portfolio. Any opinions and statements contained herein of financial market trends based on market conditions constitute our judgment. This material may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events, targets or expectations, and is only current as of the date indicated. There is no assurance that such events or targets will be achieved, and may be significantly different than that discussed here. The information presented, including any statements concerning financial market trends, is based on current market conditions, which will fluctuate and may be superseded by subsequent market events or for other reasons. Although the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements that may be contained herein are believed to be reasonable they can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. AAM assumes no duty to provide updates to any analysis contained herein. A complete list of investment recommendations made during the past year is available upon request. Past performance is not an indication of future returns. This information is distributed to recipients including AAM, any of which may have acted on the basis of the information, or may have an ownership interest in securities to which the information relates. It may also be distributed to clients of AAM, as well as to other recipients with whom no such client relationship exists. Providing this information does not, in and of itself, constitute a recommendation by AAM, nor does it imply that the purchase or sale of any security is suitable for the recipient. Investing in the bond market is subject to certain risks including market, interest-rate, issuer, credit, inflation, liquidity, valuation, volatility, prepayment and extension. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission.