Top of the morning - UBS On-Air
The UBS On-Air podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in keeping up with the latest developments in the financial markets. With a diverse range of topics and expert guests, this podcast offers valuable insights and analysis that can help listeners navigate the complexities of the global economy. From interviews with renowned economists to discussions on cutting-edge financial issues, this podcast provides a well-rounded perspective on important trends and events.
One of the best aspects of The UBS On-Air podcast is its ability to bring together leading experts from various fields. Whether it's an economist, analyst, or industry insider, each guest brings their unique perspective and knowledge to the table. This diversity in expertise ensures that listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics being discussed. Moreover, the hosts do an excellent job of asking thought-provoking questions and guiding the conversation in a way that keeps listeners engaged and informed.
Another commendable feature of this podcast is its commitment to providing unbiased analysis. The hosts strive to present different viewpoints and opinions without being swayed by any particular agenda. This ensures that listeners receive balanced information that allows them to form their own conclusions. In a world where biased reporting can be pervasive, having access to unbiased financial analysis is invaluable.
On the flip side, one possible downside of The UBS On-Air podcast is its fast pace. While it may appeal to those who prefer quick updates and concise discussions, some listeners might find it challenging to keep up with the rapid-fire nature of the conversations. This fast pace could potentially hinder deeper exploration of certain topics or limit opportunities for more nuanced analysis.
In conclusion, The UBS On-Air podcast is an excellent resource for anyone seeking high-quality financial analysis and insights. Its ability to bring together top experts from around the world ensures a diverse range of perspectives on key economic issues. While its fast pace may not suit all listeners, those who appreciate succinct updates will find value in this podcast. Overall, The UBS On-Air podcast is a valuable tool for staying informed and making informed decisions in the ever-changing financial landscape.
There are reports that the US administration will extend the delay in implementing tariffs on car part imports from two years to five years. This is a reaction to intensive domestic lobbying, and should probably not be taken as a signal for the wider trade tensions between the US and China.
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book of economic anecdotes was not affected by the absence of a functioning government. There was evidence of prices reacting to trade tariffs, and a sense of labor market fragility. However, it is possible that elements of political partisanship are being captured in some of the reported concerns.
Shane joins mid-week for an update on the US government shutdown, including a look at impacted services, and where negotiations stand to re-open the government. We also touch on recent developments surrounding US-China trade talks. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor, Governmental Affairs US. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Federal Reserve Chair Powell reiterated that labor market concerns dominate inflation concerns in current policy. The lack of a functioning US federal government means this economic analysis depends on dubious quality data—private sector polls and potentially distorted anecdotal evidence—but Powell has shown a willingness to depend on such data in making past policy decisions.
Dave Fazekas is Partner & Head of North American Logistics with Ares Real Estate. Dave joins the podcast to discuss the current investment landscape for the Industrial Real Estate sector. We cover repricing and valuations, positioning considerations, and the impacts of factors such as macro uncertainty, US trade policy and tariffs, along with the rise of artificial intelligence. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Markets have detected some shifting around in the US approach to trade with China. US Treasury Secretary Bessent was vocal in asserting that US President Trump and China's President Xi will meet. Markets have extrapolated from past meetings to conclude that this will reduce the temperature of the trade rhetoric.
As investors begin a new week they are faced with the prospect of more trade uncertainty, the ongoing government shutdown, and the start of Q3 earnings season. Jason drops by to weigh in on these factors, along with Friday's market sell-off, and CIO's current positioning recommendations. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Shiavon Chatman
After US President Trump's threat to impose additional significant tariffs on US buyers of goods from China, there has been a more conciliatory tone from both Trump and US Vice President Vance over the weekend. China's September trade data showed stronger-than-expected exports (and imports). China's data earlier this year was hinting at rerouting exports to help US importers avoid high tariffs.
Tune in at the start of the trading week ahead of the New York opening bell as Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO Americas and Head of Global Equities for UBS Wealth Management, briefs you on what's the signal, and what's just noise in the markets. This week - in the absence of government macro data releases we see positive micro catalysts in US banks earnings. We expect US bank earnings to be strong based on increased trading activity, strong capital markets and stable net interest margins.
Jan van Eck is the Chief Executive Officer of VanEck. We cover a wide range of top of mind topics for investors, including a look at the US macroeconomic environment, the road ahead for monetary policy, the impacts of US trade policy and artificial intelligence to economic activity, asset allocation views, and more. Host: Daniel Cassidy
The US government has announced that, regardless of the government shutdown, the September consumer price inflation data will be coming out (probably late). This is legally required, to enable the cost of living calculation that raises social security payments—huge swathes of US government spending are tied to inflation measures. The Federal Reserve should have this data when it meets.
We cover a range of sector-related topics, spanning concerns over subprime consumer credit and private credit, a preview of the upcoming Q3 earnings season for financials, sector positioning, and YTD performance across sub-sectors. Featured is Jeff Harwood, CIO Financials Analyst Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy
French politicians have been doing politics. This week's prime minister, Lecornu, has suggested that a majority of national assembly members favor seeking a compromise budget. The suggestion is less fiscal tightening than was originally proposed. French assets are likely to continue to command a risk premium, but the bond market should remain orderly.
On this week's episode of Viewpoints, Burkhard acknowledges the third birthday of the current bull market and explains whether the bull has further room to run - assessing where are now and where we may be heading from here.
Economists traditionally do not worry too much about the growth impact of US government shutdowns, as the short-term loss of economic output tends to be paid back with an economic bounce when government reopens. It is still a net negative—contractors are not compensated for lost activity in a shutdown—but government workers get their back pay paid back. US President Trump has suggested that may not happen this time. If that were legally enforced, it would reduce the bounce of the bounce back.
Buying a second property overseas is dream for many. But can it also make financial sense? Our latest survey of global property provides a deep dive on where to find the best value and where the risk of a bubble bursting are greatest. How can investors manage currency risk and optimize leverage? In this week's Across the Pond the Chief Investment Office's real estate experts, Matthias Holzhey and Maciej Skoczek join hosts Christopher Swann and Belinda Peeters to explore these issues and how property fits in your broader wealth strategy.
French Prime Minister Lecornu resigned, but will work for 48 hours—President Macron wants Lecornu to find a fiscal solution that would command National Assembly support. Despite obvious parallels, this is not the same as the UK's Truss debacle. The French bond market remains orderly. French assets will command a risk premium, as investors wait to see whether a new government or new elections are the outcome.
Jason drops by the studio to explain why markets recently have continued their move higher, despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and missing economic indicators. We also assess the health of the US labor market with available data-points from last week, and review CIO's current portfolio positioning recommendations. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy
The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan elected former economic security minister Takaichi as its leader, and thus Prime Minister-presumptive. Takaichi is seen as a pro-growth leader, and has signaled scepticism about the persistence of Japan's inflation. This has supported equities, and may delay expectations of a Bank of Japan rate increase.
Tune in at the start of the trading week ahead of the New York opening bell as Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO Americas and Head of Global Equities for UBS Wealth Management, briefs you on what's the signal, and what's just noise in the markets. This week – OpenAI Developer Day, continuing to monitor the US government shutdown.
Join Isaac Chota, 529 Product Manager at UBS, and special guest Kristia Adrian, Executive Director at JP Morgan and 529 specialist, as they break down everything you need to know about 529 plans in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or student, this episode covers the latest legislative changes, practical tips for maximizing your education savings, and expert insights on how families in the Tri-State area can make the most of their college planning. Curious about new rules or how to get started? Tune in for an informative and friendly conversation designed to help you take the next step in your education savings journey.
As the U.S. government shutdown continues, we examine the implications of a prolonged shutdown to economic activity. Plus, thoughts on the health of the U.S. labor market, and broader economy, along with an outlook for Fed monetary policy heading into 2026. Featured is Paul Hsiao, Asset Allocation Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Today is US employment report Friday—except it is not, because of the impenetrable fog of US government shutdown. As low fear of unemployment is a crucial line of defense keeping the US from recession, this is frustrating.
Our conversation outlines the current landscape for fixed income investors, and where to locate opportunity within the asset class. We also touch on an outlook for monetary policy, rates and the macro environment. Featured are Dan Hyman, Senior Portfolio Manager with PIMCO, and Leslie Falconio, Head of Taxable Fixed Income Strategy Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy
The US government shutdown continues—Senate Republicans failed to pass their measure to end it. US President Trump indicated some federal government workers may be fired, not furloughed. That would doubtless face legal challenges, but might also increase fear of unemployment. Low fear of unemployment has helped keep US growth mediocre rather than recessionary. However, the federal government workforce is a very small share of US employment, which should limit economic damage.
As the U.S. government has entered a shutdown, Shane drops by to explain the scope of impact, along with next steps with respect to negotiations. Plus, thoughts on yesterday's Oval Office announcement related to drug pricing. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisors, Government Affairs US. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Alejo rejoins the podcast to discuss why the Fed's current rate-cutting cycle is so important for emerging market investors. We then highlight compelling opportunities across emerging market equities, fixed income, and currencies. Plus, a review of key risks to consider. Featured is Alejo Czerwonko, CIO for Emerging Markets Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy
The US Congress failed to either change the rules or come to an agreement to avert a government shutdown. Economists now lack official economic data from the US. Private sector data is a poor substitute. Private data is like viewing the economy through a keyhole —clear, but with a narrow field of vision. Official data is like opening the door. Private data relies on official data to model the bits of the economy outside its field of vision, and that modelling becomes less accurate in the absence of official data.
Coming off a busy week of economic data releases, and with the September employment report due out in just days, Jason shares thoughts around what recent data suggests about the state of the U.S. economy. Plus, a look at recent market drivers, along with the macro and market impacts of a potential shutdown of the U.S. government. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy
The final guess at UK second quarter GDP led to some modest increases in growth—cementing the UK's position as the fastest growing G7 economy year-to-date. Better investment figures led the upgrade. Consumers' savings rate increased, suggesting consumers have resources to fund future spending (despite retailers' attempts at profit-led inflation).
Tune in for the annual UBS Studios fireside chat on the current market and macro environment, including thoughts around the economic impacts of artificial intelligence, the path forward for monetary policy, fixed income markets, and broader asset allocation with Jeffrey Gundlach, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Founder of DoubleLine Capital. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Current French Prime Minister Lecornu outlined their policy intentions, if they remain in power. A 4.7% GDP deficit target, no public holidays to be abolished, and no general wealth tax imposed—but tax justice is being talked of. This is likely to be a global trend. The great wealth transfer is underway, and governments with fiscal imbalances are likely to try to mobilize that wealth.
Tune in at the start of the trading week ahead of the New York opening bell as Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO Americas and Head of Global Equities for UBS Wealth Management, briefs you on what's the signal, and what's just noise in the markets. This week – the September employment report, and a possible US government shutdown.
Cliff joins Jason at the 1285 podcast studio in New York to cover a wide-range of topics, including the growing impacts of electronic trading to financial markets, along with how machine learning and artificial intelligence are influencing approaches to investing. Plus, thoughts on the state of more traditional portfolio strategies, and the current macroeconomic environment. Featured are Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office, and Cliff Asness, Founder, Managing Principal and Chief Investment Officer at AQR Capital Management. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Social media posts from US President Trump overnight indicate a series of new trade tariffs. US buyers of foreign vanity units, soft furnishings, etc., as well as heavy trucks, and pharmaceuticals will be subject to new tariffs. The furniture tariffs, applied on national security grounds, are likely to have a muted impact. These are not high frequency purchases (lowering price awareness). Prices have already risen following earlier tariffs. Democrats appear to have redecorated early this year, presumably anticipating tariffs.
Hear from members of the UBS Chief Investment Office fixed income team as they provide a performance and positioning update across fixed income sub-sectors. Featured are Leslie Falconio, Head of Taxable Fixed Income Strategy Americas, Sudip Mukherjee, Senior Municipal Strategist Americas, along with Senior Fixed Income Strategists' Barry McAlinden, Frank Sileo, & Leticia Zemaitis, from the UBS Chief Investment Office.
The US releases revised second quarter GDP data. The market consensus is for no change (given data quality problems, “no change” in the details may be unlikely). US growth has been distorted this year—export and inventory data swung wildly between the first and second quarters. Unfortunately, the fiction of annualization assumes that what happens in a quarter, however unique, is continually repeated. This exaggerates first quarter weakness and second quarter strength.
On 1 July Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi assumed the role of Chief Investment Officer Americas, while continuing as Global Head of Equities for UBS Wealth Management. In a recent visit to the UBS On-Air podcast studio in New York, Ulrike outlined her vision for CIO Americas, discussed the evolution of artificial intelligence - including her experience in this space - and shared takeaways from her recent client conversations across the globe. Plus, we look at Ulrike's career journey, and how she spends her time outside of the office. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Yesterday saw some increase in macro uncertainty, in case investors thought the world was getting predictable. US President Trump's comments on Ukraine, and on Russia presented a change of tone. That added some risk premium into the oil price. However, investors tend to be cautious about overreacting to such individual statements.
We examine regulatory reforms being implemented by the Trump administration to the US banking sector, including a look at potential changes to capital requirements, along with implications for both fixed income and equity investors. Featured are Barry McAlinden, Senior Fixed Income Strategist Americas, & Jeff Harwood, Financials Equity Analyst Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Federal Reserve Chair Powell is to speak on the economic outlook at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. The outlook is not likely to stray far from the tone of the last policy decision. Fed Governor Miran did stray quite a distance, suggesting rates were needed to be 2 percentage points lower (coincidentally, others outside the Fed have targeted that rate level). The consistency of Miran's analysis might be challenged.
Jason drops by the studio to reflect on last week's FOMC rate decision and market response. We then discuss expectations for rate cuts through the balance of the year, and into 2026. Plus, how and why the Fed funds rate will matter to markets from here, along with a review of CIO's latest asset allocation recommendations. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy
South Korean exports fell in the first part of September (when adjusting for the number of working days). Exports to the US and China (which often ultimately end up in the US) were weaker. Semiconductor sales were a predictable source of strength.
Tune in at the start of the trading week ahead of the New York opening bell as Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO Americas and Head of Global Equities for UBS Wealth Management, briefs you on what's the signal, and what's just noise in the markets. This week - the Fed decision and dot plots, the US semiconductor roadmap and key releases for next week.
Shane drops by to recap this week's UK state visit by President Trump and a variety of economic agreements that were announced. We also cover efforts by the Trump administration to privatize government sponsored entities. Plus, an update on government funding negotiations on Capitol Hill. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor, Governmental Affairs US. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Xingchen rejoins to cover three key themes for China investors to watch, followed by investment opportunities, including China tech. We then explore the EM equities landscape following the first Fed cut, and highlight key opportunities in emerging markets beyond China tech. Featured is Xingchen Yu, Emerging Markets Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Leslie joins in-studio to provide a fixed income performance update and outlook, including thoughts on how fixed income markets could respond to Fed rate cuts. Plus, a look at positioning considerations within the asset class, including views on investment grade, and agency mortgage-backed securities. Featured is Leslie Falconio, Head of Taxable Fixed Income Strategy Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Carli Torres
Yesterday, French protestors took to the streets over the last government's proposed spending cuts. This makes good social media content, and confirms stereotypical media biases, but should not change things for investors. France has large reserves of private wealth that could be mobilized to help fund government borrowing, but more democratic wealth increases mean that such mobilization would affect ordinary citizens.
The UBS AI Podcast explores the fascinating and evolving world of artificial intelligence, how it's transforming industries, redefining what's possible and reshaping the future. On this episode of the CEO Series, Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO Americas and Head of Global Equities for UBS Wealth Management, converses with Winston Weinberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Harvey.
The Federal Reserve performed as expected—a quarter point rate cut and signals of more to come. The weakening US labor market is prioritized over ongoing inflation increases. That suggests rate cuts even as goods price inflation increases further into next year. Poor quality labor market data presents challenges to policy confidence.
Kurt rejoins in studio to share the latest on US trade policy (and potential paths forward) following the recent US federal appeals court ruling. We also touch on government funding negotiations, including a look at where roadblocks exist, and the prospects for a shutdown by the end of the month. Featured is Kurt Reiman, Head of Fixed Income Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy