UBS On-Air: Market Moves Client Strategy Office

European Central Bank President Lagarde did, after all, offer policy comments yesterday—in an Irish TV interview. Lagarde signaled a June Euro area rate cut is coming, because inflation is under control. Markets already expect this. Currently, US inflation is the same as that of Europe when measured on a like-for-like basis, so why is the Federal Reserve delaying rate cuts?

Join the CIO fixed income team every other month for a discussion around the drivers behind asset class trends and performance, rates, positioning, and a near-term outlook. Leslie Falconio, Head of Taxable Fixed Income Strategy Americas, moderates a panel which includes insights from Senior Fixed Income Strategists Barry McAlinden, and Frank Sileo, along with Senior Closed-end Funds Strategist, Sangeeta Marfatia, and Senior Municipal Strategist, Kathleen McNamara.

US Treasury Secretary Yellen receives an honorary doctorate today, which gives ECB President Lagarde an opportunity to speak in public. It would be poor taste to talk of policy on such an occasion. Of more interest is Yellen’s motive for visiting Europe—the G7 finance ministers’ meeting on Thursday. This may discuss using the income from frozen Russian assets (including central bank assets) to aid Ukraine. Markets may pay attention not just to the implications for Ukraine, but the implications around the security of asset ownership in a politically polarized world.

With US equity markets having reached all-time record closes, Jason weighs the ‘sell in May, and go away’ narrative, and discusses how investors should consider positioning in light of current market levels. We also reflect on the latest round of inflation data, as well as near-term market drivers. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Iranian President Raisi has been killed in a helicopter crash. The first vice president becomes interim president, and elections will be called within 50 days. No change is expected in Iran’s main policy positions as major policy decisions are overseen by Supreme Leader Khamenei. Over the longer term, market considerations will focus on the implications for Khamenei’s successor, and the potential for protests around the elections.

We preview the current calendar for US Presidential debates, unpack the FAA Bill and the implications for consumers, and share takeaways from Secretary of State Blinken’s recent visit to Ukraine. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor, Governmental Affairs US. Host: Daniel Cassidy