Private Debt Funds Are Finding Fewer Deals to Deploy Capital (1)

Private credit executives have long said a deal comeback is right around the corner. That hope for a turnaround was quashed in the second quarter as US tariffs and a prolonged deal drought stymied how much capital a key part of the industry put to work.

Blue Owl Capital Corp. deployed $1.1 billion to new deals in the quarter, a roughly 67% drop compared to a year prior, according to regulatory filings for the business development company. Blackstone Secured Lending Fund deployed 51% less in the second quarter compared to last year. Ares Capital Corp.’s origination volumes dropped 33% ...