The artificial intelligence boom in the US is driving record bond sales by utilities, with $158 billion raised this year alone. Electric companies are expected to spend over $1.1 trillion on infrastructure in the next five years, leading to a potential increase in debt. However, investors are not overly concerned due to regulated pricing structures. Despite fears of a tech bubble, strong demand for utility bonds persists. Analysts recommend sticking with bonds issued by regulated utilities over holding companies. PG&E’s bankruptcy history serves as a cautionary tale.

In other financial news, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are increasing their mortgage holdings, while China Vanke Co. seeks to delay bond payments. US prosecutors charge the founder of Tricolor Holdings with fraud, and First Brands Group seeks new financing. Spirit Aviation Holdings is in merger talks, and Carlyle Group faces losses on a loan to iRobot Corp. Autokiniton US Holdings cancels a leveraged loan deal.

In personnel moves, Bank of Montreal’s head of global credit trading is retiring, Natixis hires a loan trader, Blackstone’s senior managing director moves to the credit and insurance business, Scotiabank hires a director for leveraged loan trading, and RBC Capital Markets welcomes a new senior investment-grade salesperson. Performance Trust Capital Partners launches its first office in Europe and hires seasoned bankers for expansion.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: AI Boom Brings Flood of Debt to Ultrasafe Market: Credit Weekly