UBS On-Air: Market Moves

China’s May exports were stronger than expected, with the seemingly insatiable demand of companies wanting to play with the nice shiny new toy of AI. Export data to the US was flattered by comparison to the volatility around US tariff announcements last year. Recent months have also shown strength in exports of the electrification big three—solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles.

The string of nine consecutive positive weekly returns for the S&P 500 ended last week, with Friday being one of the worst days all year after the release of the May jobs report. Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas from the UBS Chief Investment Office, joins to discuss the jobs data, the market response, and what it means for the investment outlook. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Bond and equity markets have weakened in Asian trading. There seems to be no single cause, rather a general sense of increasing risk. Economically, the drop in equities is not that significant—in theory, there might be negative wealth effects, but this is too small a move and most consumers have been relying on lowering savings rates, not equity liquidation to finance their consumption.

Health care has not seen the same stock market traction as AI and power and resources over the past year, but continues to serve as a key ingredient to a diversified portfolio and a source of stability. This episode explores how the sector is not just a defensive play, with the pharma industry moving toward innovation-driven growth led by GLP-1 drugs. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence and genomics are transforming how drugs are discovered, while an aging global population provides a powerful structural tailwind for demand.

Shane drops by to recap this week’s primary election outcomes, and shares thoughts on potential outcome scenarios for the November mid-term elections. Plus, a review of Congressional legislative priorities over the next few months, and an update on where negotiations stand to end the US-Iran war. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor, Governmental Affairs US. Host: Daniel Cassidy