Bondcast - The Rates Podcast

NatWest Corporates and Institutions
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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. 5D AGO

    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

  2. APR 24

    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

  3. APR 17

    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

  4. APR 10

    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

  5. APR 2

    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

  6. MAR 20

    Back to the hold routine, but for how long?

    Despite fears that the war in the Middle East will drive inflation, central banks in the US, the UK and Europe held rates this week. To discuss why, Imogen Bachra (Head of Economics and Markets Strategy) is joined by Ian VanderHorn (Economics and Market Strategy) and Giovanni Zanni (Chief Euro Area Economist) to dissect the latest policy decisions, and how their forecasts are changing.  This episode was recorded on 19 March 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

    21 min

  7. MAR 11

    War, peace and rate expectations

    This week, host Imogen Bachra (Head of Economics & Markets Strategy) is joined by Ian Vanderhorn (Macroeconomics Strategist) and Oriane Parmentier (European Rates Strategist) to provide a comprehensive update on recent geopolitical swings. They focus on higher oil prices, what this means for inflation, and how bond markets have reacted. Lastly, they share their expectations ahead of central bank decisions next week in the UK, Europe and the US.  This episode was recorded on 11 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

  8. MAR 5

    What's happening in the Middle East, and how are markets affected?

    This week’s combined episode of Currency Exchange and Bondcast focuses on the ongoing Middle East conflict and its impacts on currency and rates markets. This episode features edited highlights from a client webinar hosted on Tuesday, featuring host Imogen Bachra (Head of Economics and Markets Strategy) and guests Scott Livingstone (International Advisor) and Paul Robson (Co-Head of G10FX Strategy).  They discussed:  - Management of ammunition and defence resources by regional players. - Political pressure on President Trump to conclude this initial phase swiftly. - Expected continuation of heightened military activity over the next few days. - Monitoring Iranian missile, drone, and maritime operations, including possible threats to the Strait of Hormuz. - Indicators for de-escalation: signs of pragmatic politics or regional diplomatic intervention. - Importance of maritime security in global energy markets. - Currency markets responding as expected: dollar strength sterling resilience in cross-currency pairs. - Volatility in bond markets reflecting both safe-haven demand and concerns over defence spending and future inflation. - Key market drivers to watch. This episode was recorded on 3 March 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

    20 min
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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
    205
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bondcast - The Rates Podcast
  • Show Website
    Bondcast - The Rates Podcast

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