UBS On-Air: Market Moves Client Strategy Office

Hear the latest thinking and investment recommendations from the UBS Chief Investment Office with Dan Scansaroli, Head of Portfolio Strategy & UBS Wealth Way Americas, and Nadia Lovell, Senior Equity Strategist Americas.

Sweden’s Riksbank is expected to cut interest rates at its meeting today (this is a widespread but not a universal expectation). Swedish inflation is some way above 2%, but the trend has been for slower price increase. In cutting rates, the Riksbank would simply be following inflation lower (as with the earlier Swiss rate cut).

Eric rejoins the podcast to share his take on how current economic conditions and the rate environment have impacted consumer behavior and spending patterns. We also touch on how brands have been adapting or pivoting in order to maintain consumer engagement. Featured is Eric Clark, Portfolio Manager with Accuvest Global Advisors. Host: Daniel Cassidy

In the Middle East, Hamas accepted a Qatari/Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire, but the Israeli government has rejected it. There are obvious humanitarian consequences from this, but little direct market impact. Over the longer term, there may be some wider political considerations as this is a polarizing issue in the US (and Republican and Democratic party conventions loom in July and August).

As we turn the page on a volatile month of April and look ahead to the summer, we consider whether the April FOMC meeting and Employment Report outcomes have hinted at the return of a ‘goldilocks’ environment? Jason explains, along with outlines positioning considerations for the current environment. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

A single, dubious quality US data report last Friday was enough to send bond and equity markets into paroxysms of delight. One month’s employment report should not trigger market moves of this degree. It is easy to put all the blame for this on the exuberance of traders, but Federal Reserve Chair Powell’s mantra of “data dependency” means investors will naturally elevate imprecise short-term data releases into the arbiters of US monetary policy.