US and European Firms Postpone $5 Billion in Debt Sales

Companies across the United States and Europe postponed more than $5 billion in debt sales this month, the largest wave of delays recorded this year. The trend stems from investor anxiety over resurgent inflation, rising interest rates, and potential instability surrounding the artificial-intelligence boom.

Specific corporate actions illustrate the broader market hesitation. AVI-SPL Inc. abandoned a plan to raise $690 million within the US leveraged-loan market. Similarly, Mesirow Financial postponed a $175 million bond sale that was backed by a mortgage on a Manhattan office tower.