BDCs’ Worst Year Since 2020 Has Some Branding the Funds Obsolete

December 29, 2025, 12:10 PM UTC

Business development companies are set for their worst year relative to the S&P 500 since 2020, leading some investors to question their future in the $1.7 trillion private credit market.

The Cliffwater BDC Index, which tracks 41 vehicles that house direct loans, is down about 6.6% this year through Dec. 24, versus the S&P 500’s roughly 18.1% gain, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. In 2023 and 2024, the BDC index gained about 25.4% and 14.1%, respectively.

The vehicles have been pummeled by a storm of rate cuts, market blow-ups and rising signs that the market is set to experience ...

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