Commercial lending

Moody's said higher funding costs, a potential decline in bank capital and growing risk in the commercial real-estate industry prompted many of the downgrades.

That's pushed secondary leveraged loan prices near highs not seen in months as investors flush with cash seek out supply, leading borrowers to stream into both loan and junk bond markets.

Much of the industry is slimming down, with some banks calling it quits on riskier sectors and selling loans they no longer want. The trend is particularly prominent at regional banks that are preparing to comply with new capital rules.

While credit unions are being cautious with this lending line, some see opportunities to grow their commercial books amid setbacks at big-name banks such as Wells Fargo.

The issue is secured by a revolving pool of term and line-of-credit small-business loans made to a diverse set of industries.

The company sold debt in three parts, according to a person familiar with the deal, including selling more of an existing bond due in 2053. The reopening of the 30-year bond yields 1.6 percentage point over Treasuries.

The amount of distressed assets rose 10% in the first three months of the year, according to a new report from MSCI Real Assets.

The American Bankers Association's Economic Advisory Committee said access to loans is likely to further soften, while defaults and credit losses could increase in the second half of the year.

The American Bankers Association's credit conditions index remained near historic lows despite a slight uptick in the most recent quarter. Pessimism pervaded the outlook for both business and consumer lending.

When the once-ubiquitous interest rate goes away at the end of June, some businesses that have older loans may see a sudden jump in their payments. Banks, lawyers and business leaders are doing last-minute work to avoid that scenario.