A benchmark gauge of U.S. company credit risk fell to the lowest level in almost three weeks after data signaled consumer confidence rising to the highest since April. The Markit CDX North America Investment Grade Index of credit-default swaps, which investors use to hedge against losses on corporate debt or to speculate on creditworthiness, decreased 1 basis point to a mid-price of 120.7 basis points at 4:18 p.m. in New York, according to Markit Group Ltd. The index fell as low as 120.3, the lowest since Dec. 8.
full article 
(free)