Bondcast - The Rates Podcast

NatWest Corporates and Institutions

In this weekly podcast series, Imogen Bachra along with the NatWest Markets team of rates & markets specialists help investment professionals shape their portfolio views on fixed income, learn how the biggest themes, trends, and events affect bond performance, and get deeper insight into rates markets including the latest analysis & research from the NatWest team.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Number five is alive in long-end rates

    In this episode of Bondcast, host Imogen Bachra is joined by global market specialist Ian VanderHorn to unpack the growing political and fiscal risks shaping UK and US rates markets – where 5% yields are now a thing. Key points: * UK political instability following poor Labour local election results * Risks of a Labour leadership challenge and implications for gilt markets * Why markets may be underpricing future UK borrowing * US tariff refund developments and worsening fiscal dynamics * Inflation persistence and implications for Treasury yields * President Trump’s China visit and evolving US-China relations This episode was recorded on 14 May 2026. Remember to hit subscribe so you can listen to the latest episodes in this series as soon as they're available and get our views on the big themes and events moving markets and shaping the economy. For any terms used please refer to this glossary: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.html Please view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html

    29 min

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    In conversation with Huw Pill

    In this special episode of Bondcast, we replay NatWest's live broadcast fireside chat and Q&A with Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill, who was joined on stage by Imogen Bachra, NatWest's Head of Economics and Markets Strategy. Recorded on 14 May 2026.

    51 min

  3. 8 MAY

    ECB expected to hike, but less certainty with the Bank of England

    This week, host Imogen Bachra is joined by Oriane Parmentier to talk about rates in the UK and the euro area. They focus on: - The return of market optimism despite geopolitical risk  - ECB outlook and how the market is pricing multiple hikes - Bank of England pricing, as well as fiscal and political risks in the UK - Client sentiment on rate rises in major economies - What to watch next week  This episode was recorded on 7 May 2026.  You can also find this episode of Bondcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Remember to hit subscribe so you can listen to the latest episodes in this series as soon as they're available and get our views on the big themes and events moving markets and shaping the economy. For any terms used please refer to this glossary: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.html Please view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html

    29 min

  4. 1 MAY

    Central banks held rates, but what to take from the details?

    This week, host Imogen Bachra is joined by economists Kevin Cummins and Giovanni Zanni to talk through their analysis of three central bank decisions to hold rates. Key points: 1. Federal Reserve rate hike prospects and dissenting opinions 2. European Central Bank’s conditional hawkish stance 3. The Bank of England’s cautious outlook and market expectations This episode was recorded on 30 April 2026. Remember to hit subscribe so you can listen to the latest episodes in this series as soon as they're available and get our views on the big themes and events moving markets and shaping the economy. For any terms used please refer to this glossary: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.html Please view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html

    25 min

  5. 24 APR

    Central banks may be on hold, but for how long?

    This week, host Imogen Bachra is joined by economists Kevin Cummins and Giovanni Zanni to talk through their expectations ahead of three imminent central bank meetings. Key points: 1. US economic data and consumer resilience 2. UK inflation and labor market dynamics 3. Fed, BoE and ECB policy forecasts 4. UK political risks and fiscal policy 5. Ongoing impact of geopolitical tensions on markets This episode was recorded on 23 April 2026.  Remember to hit subscribe so you can listen to the latest episodes in this series as soon as they're available and get our views on the big themes and events moving markets and shaping the economy. For any terms used please refer to this glossary: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.html Please view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html

    32 min

  6. 17 APR

    Calmer markets, but not a simple reset

    This week on Bondcast, Imogen Bachra, Ian Vanderhorn, and Oriane Parmentier unpack why easing geopolitical tensions have lifted risk assets – while rates remain more cautious. They explore the growing disconnect between equities and yields, with US data and Fed expectations back in focus as de-escalation shifts attention away from geopolitics. In the UK, the story looks different: persistent inflation pressures, fiscal risks, and gilt market dynamics suggest yields may stay higher for longer. The episode also dives into a key cross-market debate – why UK and ECB rate expectations are diverging – and whether markets are mispricing the path ahead. Plus, a look at the evolving outlook for the Fed amid political uncertainty, and what a potential shift in leadership could mean for rates. All wrapped up with the key risks to watch next week, from growth data and central bank signals to supply dynamics and the next phase of geopolitical developments. This episode was recorded on 16 April 2026, and captions are automatically generated. For any terms used please refer to this glossary https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.html Please view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html

    37 min

  7. 10 APR

    US-Iran ceasefire leaves markets eyeing another battle: the war on inflation

    In this week’s Bondcast, Imogen Bachra, Ian Vanderhorn, and Oriane Parmentier talk about the delicate ceasefire between the US and Iran and explore the potential impacts on rates markets, inflation forecasts, and central bank policy expectations in the US, the UK, and Europe.  This episode was recorded on 9 April 2026. For any terms used please refer to this glossary https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.html Please view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html

    42 min

  8. 2 APR

    More geopolitics, more inflation and more rate moves

    In this week’s episode of Bondcast, Head of Economics and Markets Strategy Imogen Bachra shares edited highlights from NatWest’s recent client webinar focused on the intersection of geopolitics, economic sentiment and market implications. Joined by Scott Livingstone (NatWest’s International Advisor) and Ross Walker (Global Head of Economics) the discussion covers the ongoing Middle East conflict, its economic impact, and how markets and policymakers may respond. Key discussion points: - Current phase of the Middle East conflict and the shift to “Plan B”. - Three potential US strategies: rapid declaration of victory, compelling Iran to a deal, or a prolonged campaign of military pressure. - Key indicators to watch: US force positioning, US-Israel alignment, and the actions of regional actors like the Houthis - Updated growth forecasts and inflation expectations - Bank of England likely to lean towards modest rate hikes in the second half of the year; limited scope for early cuts. - Markets are pricing in potential rate hikes, but the timing may be later than current expectations. - UK gilt markets remain sensitive to fiscal credibility and geopolitical developments. This episode was recorded on 31 March 2026. Remember to hit subscribe so you can listen to the latest episodes in this series as soon as they're available and get our views on the big themes and events moving markets and shaping the economy. For any terms used please refer to this glossary: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.html  Please view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

In this weekly podcast series, Imogen Bachra along with the NatWest Markets team of rates & markets specialists help investment professionals shape their portfolio views on fixed income, learn how the biggest themes, trends, and events affect bond performance, and get deeper insight into rates markets including the latest analysis & research from the NatWest team.

Information

  • Creator
    NatWest Corporates and Institutions
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    208
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bondcast - The Rates Podcast
  • Show Website
    Bondcast - The Rates Podcast

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