UBS On-Air: Market Moves

Fresh off the release of the December employment numbers, Paul drops by to reflect on the data and health checks the U.S. labor market. Plus, a look at growth expectations for the U.S. economy in 2026, and an outlook for monetary policy against the current macro backdrop. Featured is Paul Hsiao, Asset Allocation Strategist, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

German industrial production was stronger than expected and (of course) previous data was revised stronger too. November exports were weaker, but US importers have been scrambling to minimize their tax liabilities which has distorted normal patterns of trade.

Affordability remains in focus. US President Trump pledged yesterday to prevent institutional investors buying single family homes, explicitly because of affordability. This follows a series of reversals on highly visible tariffs. These are single issue policies—aimed at tackling narrow problems, rather than being a part of a broader platform.

Following the developments over this past weekend in Venezuela, Senior Emerging Markets Strategist, Alberto Rojas, joins for a timely conversation to explain what factors should be considered against a backdrop of complexity and uncertainty. Featured is Alberto Rojas, Senior Emerging Markets Strategist, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

A wide-ranging discussion on yield, credit markets, along with where pockets of vulnerability and opportunity exist within fixed income as we enter 2026. Leslie and Gene also spend time sharing their overall outlooks, along with views when it comes to monetary policy, and positioning across the asset class. Featured is Gene Tannuzzo, Global Head of Fixed Income at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, and Leslie Falconio, Head of Taxable Fixed Income Strategy Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

German November retail sales were weaker than expected, but the October data was revised substantially higher. Throughout 2025, German retail sales data was nearly always revised substantially higher, and there is no reason to suppose that trend will not continue. German consumers are more persistently exuberant than initially reported.

Preliminary December German and French inflation data is not likely to interest markets. The German figures should show moderation, but some of this is a lower weighting to package holidays (which tend to add to inflation)—a technical shift not necessarily indicative of any dramatic changes in inflation pressures. The ECB is likely to remain on its course of masterful inactivity (markets like the ECB being inactive).

The Snapshot returns after a holiday hiatus - Jason Draho begins the year by sharing investment themes and risks to watch for in the months ahead, along with positioning recommendations. We also refresh on CIO’s expectations for monetary and fiscal policy, the U.S. macroeconomic environment, and market performance. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Over the past two weeks, perceptions of affordability seem to have shaped US administration policy. Tariffs on furniture imports are delayed, and proposed tariffs on Italian pasta imports are cut. Furniture prices moved from deflation in 2023-24 into inflation last year, although consumers are less sensitive to furniture price changes. Pasta is a small share of consumer spending, but a visible price. If perceptions of affordability are shaping policy, investors need to broaden their focus beyond the precise measurement offered by CP

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. Recorded on 4 January 2026.

Join Evan Brown, Head of Multi-Asset Strategy and Portfolio Manager, and Nicole Goldberger, Head of Global Multi-Asset Portfolio Management and Portfolio Manager for UBS Asset Management, for an assessment of the current macro and market environment as we head into 2026. Hosted by Fatou Konteh, Multi-Asset Specialist. Recorded on 25.12.03

The U.S. has dominated headlines in 2025, with investors focused on AI breakthroughs, policy shifts from the Trump administration, and the outlook for Fed rates. Yet, so far this year, European equities have outperformed their U.S. counterparts in U.S. dollar terms - and the outlook for 2026 looks even brighter. What’s fueling this shift, and why should investors take a closer look at Europe now? In this episode of “Across the Pond,” Themis Themistocleous, Head of the Chief Investment Office for EMEA, and hosts Christopher Swann and Belinda Peeters explore the drivers behind Europe’s improving prospects and highlight the most attractive opportunities for the year ahead.

The Bank of Japan did what was expected and raised rates a quarter point. Dramatic headlines that this is the highest rate in thirty years should not be taken too seriously (parallels to 1995 are not helpful). BoJ governor Ueda emphasised wages as being important to determining future policy decisions.

The 250 years of U.S. innovation publication series highlights examples of how transformational innovation has been an engine of U.S. economic growth since the nation’s founding. Today, we explore the history of aviation in the U.S. by referencing the next publication of the series: Into the wild blue yonder - Aviation. Featured are Kurt Reiman, Head of Fixed Income Americas, and Nathaniel Gabrial, U.S. Industrials and Materials Sector Strategist, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

On the final CIO Strategy Snapshot for 2025, Jason reflects on recent economic data-point releases, along with the December FOMC meeting, and assesses the macro and policy environment as we head into 2026. Plus, Jason unveils his choice for the 2025 finance word of the year and shares his early WOTY choices for 2026. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The ECB and the Bank of England meet. The ECB decision can be dismissed with a shrug of indifference. The Bank of England is expected to cut rates, but the depth of division amongst policy setters is a focus. More rate cuts are likely next year.

The 250 years of U.S. innovation publication series highlights examples of how transformational innovation has been an engine of U.S. economic growth since the nation’s founding. Today, we explore the history of electrification in the U.S. by referencing the next publication of the series: By the dawn's early light - Electrification. Featured are Kurt Reiman, Head of Fixed Income Americas, and Jay Dobson, U.S. Energy and Utilities Sector Strategist, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

As we soon conclude 2025, Burkhard reflects on what was expected in the markets and what came as a surprise. Plus, a look at eight lessons learned. The Viewpoints podcast will resume in January 2026 - happy holidays and thank you for listening in 2025!

The US employment data yesterday raised several red flags. Existing data quality problems were compounded by the government shutdown. Looking at year-to-date trends, the total number of jobs in the US has risen, but at a slower pace than in the past four years. Manufacturing jobs have continued to fall. Average hourly earnings are not the same thing as wage or income growth, but the pace has slowed and may be overtaken by inflation in the coming months.

Kurt drops by for the final POTUS 47 conversation of 2025 as we discuss how affordability could influence policy efforts by both the White House and Congress in 2026. Plus, a look at expectations for monetary policy in the year ahead against the backdrop of current U.S. economic conditions coupled with anticipated leadership changes at the Fed. Featured is Kurt Reiman, Head of Fixed Income Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

It is US employment report Tuesday, with a bowdlerized October report (no household survey) and a rushed November report of dubious quality. Response rates to surveys are already horribly low, and whatever motivates someone to complete a survey most people ignore at a time when the government is shut down suggests that this data is likely to be subject to distortions.

We turn focus to Eurozone equities and highlight positioning considerations heading into 2026, along with risks and headwinds investors should be mindful of. Plus, thoughts on valuations and a look at CIO’s recent upgrade of Eurozone equities. Featured is Matt Gilman, Head, CIO Europe Equity Strategy, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

This week, the veil of ignorance shrouding the US economy is lifted a little—but only a little. US employment data (due Tuesday) was already low quality, and that is likely made worse by the effects of the government shutdown. Consumer price data (due Thursday) has been interpolating (or “guessing”) more and more, and has surveyed fewer prices in fewer locations this year.

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. Recorded on 14 December 2025.

Tune in to hear from top portfolio managers and business heads from UBS Asset Management’s Muni, Taxable Fixed Income and Liquidity teams, as they share their views on markets and what they believe you should be focused on within the fixed income space.

As we close out the series for 2025, Shane drops by for a Capitol Hill roundup as we cover developments surrounding Congressional votes on healthcare legislation, and the National Defense Authorization Act. Plus, some thoughts on renewed bipartisan efforts to ban Congressional stock trading. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor, Governmental Affairs U.S. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Paul drops by for timely reflections on the December FOMC meeting and provides a health-check on the U.S. economy. We also cover upcoming data-points of interest through year-end, along with expectations for monetary policy in 2026. Featured is Paul Hsiao, Asset Allocation Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The Federal Reserve once again mimicked the style of the Bank of England. There were multiple dissents. Governor Miran presumably has a bleak outlook, with his attempts at aggressive rate cuts getting rejected again. Two Fed Presidents voted for unchanged rates, presumably reflecting concern about the rising US cost of living. The dissents suggest the next Fed Chair may have difficulty asserting control over policy, especially if they command less respect in the Fed and markets.

On this week’s episode of Viewpoints, Burkhard talks about the renaissance of European stocks and banks, and spotlights the roaring markets and economies of Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain. Plus, some highlights from a cycling journey which spanned Zurich to the Italian city of Genua.

As 2026 quickly approaches, Paul drops by to discuss what small business owners should know about the policy and macro environment heading into the new year. Plus, a look at considerations when it comes to the potential impacts of Artificial Intelligence to the business environment, and how the dealmaking landscape could further evolve. Featured is Paul Hsiao, Asset Allocation Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The Federal Reserve’s December 2025 policy decision is finally revealed. The Fed has seemingly not attempted to change general expectations of a rate cut. Conspiracy theorists might suggest not delaying the meeting until the release of employment data implies Fed Chair Powell is confident about cutting—but there is likely to be some dissent. Dissent may cause trouble for Powell’s successor, if they command less respect than Powell.

Tune in for a timely year-end and yeah-ahead conversation on the municipal bond market, which include 2025 performance reflections and 2026 performance expectations. Featured are Daniel Close, Head of Municipals at Nuveen, and Doug Vissicchio, Head of Municipal Sales, Trading and Underwriting at UBS. Hosted by Sudip Mukherjee, Senior Fixed Income Strategist, UBS Chief Investment Office.

Germany’s October trade surplus was larger than expected, principally because of a steeper fall in import demand. Globally, trade away from the US remains robust and (more or less) normal.

We preview this week’s economic data releases, along with the December FOMC meeting. Plus, a look at some potential market-moving events to watch out for through year-end, and thoughts on what factors are supporting the equity rally as indexes once again approach record levels. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

China’s trade surplus exceeded one trillion US dollars in the 11 months to November. Round numbers do not matter in economics, but trends do. This surplus will help China meet its official growth target, compensating for somewhat lackluster domestic demand.

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. Recorded on 7 December 2025.

As 2025 draws to a close, we cap off the year with Rich and Jason exchanging expectations for the market and macro environment in 2026 - including thoughts on the role of the Fed. Plus, a look at positioning preferences heading into the new year. Featured are Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office, and Richard Bernstein, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Richard Bernstein Advisors (RBA). Host: Daniel Cassidy

Today we get information on the US consumer—but unfortunately it is a mix of old data and misdirection. September personal income and spending numbers (and the consumer expenditure deflator) should show the US consumer spending even as inflation pressures have built. Since April, consumer durable goods prices have added to inflation (having previously reduced it), for instance. However consumers have cut their savings rate to cover the price increases, keeping consumption stable.

A look at the landscape for Agency RMBS and the Housing Market, including a look at the prospects for and implications of the 50-yr and portable mortgages. Featured are Clayton Triick, Head of Portfolio Management of Public Strategies with Angel Oak Capital Advisors, and Leslie Falconio, Head of Taxable Fixed Income Strategy Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The US labor market is, rightly, a key focus. Low fear of unemployment gave US consumers the confidence to reduce savings rates. That reduction in savings rates has paid for the US consumer price increases since April, sustaining spending. The November ADP payrolls data showed labor market weakness. The ADP numbers do not necessarily have a strong relationship with reality, but the weakness increases the focus on today’s weekly initial jobless claims data.

On this week’s episode of Viewpoints, Burkhard contemplates whether the “Santa Rally” is still alive, or if investors should pack-up for the holiday season. Plus, a classic literature-recommendation for year-end reading.

In the wake of Zohran Mamdani's recent win as New York City's 111th mayor, Jeannine and Ted discuss CIO’s Risk Categories for the city's debt, and what investors need to know. Featured are Jeannine Lennon, Municipal Strategist Americas, & Ted Galgano, Municipal Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office.

Join Jeremy Zirin, Head of the Private Client U.S. Equity Teams with UBS Asset Management, as he shares a performance update and outlook for U.S. equities. Host: Dominic Schagar, Senior Equity Investment Specialist. Recorded on 25.11.19

US September import price inflation is old news, but will still be poured over by economists. Exporters do not pay tariffs in any economy—the legal liability for the tariff is that of the importer. However, exporters may discount their prices to offset tariffs, which would show up as lower pre-tariff import price. If that discounting is not taking place, the burden of the tariff passes further down the supply chain.

Alberto rejoins the podcast for a macro and positioning update for the Emerging Markets, including a look at preferences across Emerging Market equities, fixed income and currencies. Plus, a look at some notable developments to be mindful of across Latin America. Featured is Alberto Rojas, Senior Emerging Markets Strategist, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Shane drops by for a geopolitics roundup with updates on the latest developments with respect to the Russia-Ukraine War and Venezuela. We also review the priorities of Congress through year-end and into early 2026. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor, Governmental Affairs US. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Japan’s 10-year government bond auction had solid demand. Normally, this would not merit attention, but international investors have been getting anxious about Japan’s debt. Domestic investors have not. Japan is wealthy, most bonds are owned domestically, and the government has a lot of practice in funding its borrowing requirements.

With fifteen relevant trading days remaining for 2025, investors over the next few weeks will be watching for key economic data releases, a potential Fed rate cut, and a possible announcement of the new Fed Chair. Jason drops by to explain what this all could mean for the markets and investment outlook. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

US President Trump indicated that a nominee for Chair of the Federal Reserve has been selected (though without giving a name). Senate confirmation is assumed by the markets, as none of the supposed candidates are so radical as to merit independent Senate action. Fed members have been showing increased independence in policy votes, however, which may blunt the impact of the Fed Chair on policy direction.

Phil Orlando is the Chief Market Strategist and Global Head of Investment Directors at Federated Hermes. Phil reflects on the outcomes of the November elections and shares thoughts on the potential implications to the 2026 midterms. We also discuss the potential road ahead for U.S. trade policy, along with monetary policy ahead of the December FOMC meeting. Host: Daniel Cassidy