6 articles
BlackRock TCP Capital and MidCap Financial slashed dividends simultaneously, signaling deteriorating credit conditions as broader markets sold off. The Dow fell 500 points and the S&P dropped 0.4% amid escalating Iran tensions, oil surging to new highs, and gold climbing above $5,250.
Gold prices broke above $5,250 in late February 2026 as Middle East geopolitical tensions sparked broad equity selloffs and commodity price spikes. Private credit markets showed stress with BlackRock TCP Capital and MidCap Financial slashing dividends sharply. The flight to safety occurred despite major corporate developments including OpenAI's $110B funding round.
Blue Owl halted quarterly withdrawals from its retail fund while New Mountain Finance sold assets at a discount, sending shares to 2020 lows. FS KKR Capital cut dividends as BDC managers defend valuations amid questions about mark-to-model pricing versus secondary market reality.
Private equity firms are restructuring portfolios through major acquisitions and capital raises while public markets face mounting pressure. Apollo Global fell 9% amid concerns over private credit exposure and forecasts of an S&P 500 correction to 3,500 by 2028. Onex and Fairfax India report strong results despite the turbulence, signaling a bifurcated performance across the sector.
Safe-haven gold surged past $5,250 to record highs while Bitcoin dropped toward $66,000 and the S&P 500 declined as geopolitical tensions escalated. Embassy evacuations and Iran-related concerns drove investors away from risk assets. OpenAI's $110 billion funding round highlighted continued mega-cap tech investment despite broader market weakness.
ECB policymaker Kocher stated the central bank would consider another rate cut if euro appreciation significantly lowers inflation projections. The policy divergence comes as the Bank of England holds rates steady while European officials note mitigated downside risks to eurozone growth.