UBS On-Air: Market Moves

We are in the home stretch of peak summer vacation season and that has translated to a calm in the markets. Economic data, however, continues to roll in with potential implications for the course of Fed monetary policy. Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas from the UBS Chief Investment Office, discusses these implications, along with current investor sentiment and portfolio positioning. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Japan’s preliminary second-quarter GDP data was weaker than expected—though the headline changes were exaggerated by the fiction of annualization. Consumer spending weighed on the growth rate. While international investors have been eager to see the Bank of Japan as being too late with rate increases, the data seems to support a more gradual approach.

AI is blurring the lines between asset classes, creating correlated exposures where portfolios may appear diversified on the surface. This episode considers the limits of asset-class diversification and explores how a more dynamic, scenario-based approach can offer a clearer view of portfolio risk and help investors build more resilient portfolios.

Rich rejoins for a wide-ranging conversation with Jason that covers equity valuations, Q2 earnings reflections, Fed monetary policy, the US macroeconomic environment, and more. Plus, thoughts on portfolio positioning through year-end. Featured are Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office, and Richard Bernstein, Global Head of Macro and Customized Investing at Janus Henderson Investors. Host: Daniel Cassidy

July US producer price data did nothing to change economists’ outlook for the Federal Reserve. Lettuce prices collapsed 72% from the previous month—this follows a health scare and a demand drop, and is unlikely to be touted as an example of disinflation by the administration.