A century of market history reveals patterns of optimism, risk and resilience that continue to shape investment decisions today. This special summer series examines landmark events—from the 1929 crash to the Global Financial Crisis—to illuminate the forces behind market upheavals and the lessons they offer for modern investors. The conversation also highlights how long-term perspective and disciplined strategy can help investors navigate volatility and avoid common pitfalls.

In this episode, join Gabriela Santos, Chief Market Strategist for the Americas, and Dr. David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist, as they introduce some of the turning points that have shaped markets throughout history.  

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Subscribe to the Notes on the Week Ahead podcast for more insights from Dr. David Kelly: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Many investors, particularly those new to the asset class, equate private credit with direct lending. However, private credit encompasses a much broader space than just direct lending. This year, amid concerns over software exposure and rising credit stress in direct lending, we have seen increased interest in other strategies. In particular, distressed and special situations credit strategies, a large and established segment of the market, are gaining popularity.

On today’s episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Brad Demong, Co-Chief Investment Officer of the Global Special Situations Group at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. They discuss why interest in distressed and special situations credit strategies has grown, how the private credit market has repriced following dislocations earlier this year and how the current private equity landscape is creating opportunities for distressed and special situations investors. 

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As equity markets become increasingly concentrated, investors are seeking strategies to diversify their exposures. Long-short strategies are one way to achieve this diversification while potentially capturing higher returns by building a portfolio that seeks to overweight winning stocks and short losing stocks.

On today’s episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Susan Bao, Portfolio Manager for the U.S. Equity Group, as they discuss the history of long-short strategies, why today’s environment has brought renewed interest in these strategies and where these types of strategies fit within investor portfolios.

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At the year’s midpoint, investors face a landscape shaped by surging AI investment, geopolitical uncertainty and diverging economic fortunes. The AI boom is powering exceptional growth in technology and semiconductors, while higher energy prices and global tensions add complexity to inflation and consumer sentiment. Shifting central bank policies and evolving global trends are redefining the outlook for fixed income, international equities and alternative assets.

In this episode, join Gabriela Santos, Chief Market Strategist for the Americas, and Dr. David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist, as they present their mid-year outlook and share timely insights for navigating today’s market crosscurrents.

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Subscribe to the Notes on the Week Ahead podcast for more insights from Dr. David Kelly: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

With inflation expectations on the rise, volatility has returned and stocks and bonds are increasingly moving together. This is driving interest in uncorrelated and absolute return strategies that can generate returns regardless of what’s happening with broader market beta or the economy.

On today’s episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Bill Eigen, Head of the Absolute Return and Opportunistic Fixed Income team, to discuss where an absolute return strategy fits in portfolios, areas of opportunity Bill is seeing in the market and thoughts on where we are in today’s credit cycle—including private credit.

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Geopolitical volatility is reshaping the global economic landscape, influencing everything from energy markets and trade flows to technological innovation and security strategies. As events in Iran, Ukraine and China drive profound shifts across markets, investors are challenged to adapt to a world where resilience and strategic foresight are more critical than ever. Heightened defense spending, evolving supply chains, and new approaches to international cooperation are redefining opportunities and risks, demanding a sophisticated understanding of the forces at play.

In this episode, Gabriela Santos, Chief Market Strategist for the Americas at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, is joined by Derek Chollet, Head of the JPMorganChase Center for Geopolitics, to share his perspectives on the geopolitical forces shaping today’s markets and tomorrow’s investment decisions. 

Subscribe to the Notes on the Week Ahead podcast for more insights from Dr. David Kelly: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

College costs have soared well beyond inflation, making education planning a critical challenge for families and advisors. With public and private tuition rising faster than household incomes, the conversation has shifted from simply saving to strategically investing for education. Choosing the right vehicle—like a 529 plan—can make a meaningful difference, offering tax-deferred growth, tax-free withdrawals, and state-level benefits. This episode examines common misconceptions, the impact of procrastination and the realities of scholarships to provide a practical lens for advisors and parents seeking clarity in a changing environment.

In this episode, join Gabriela Santos, Chief Market Strategist for the Americas, and Tricia Scarlata, Head of Education Savings at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, as they share actionable perspectives and personal experiences on building smarter education savings plans.

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Subscribe to the Notes on the Week Ahead podcast for more insights from Dr. David Kelly: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Last year, JPMorganChase announced the launch of the Security and Resiliency Initiative, a 10-year, $1.5 trillion plan to facilitate, finance and invest in industries critical to national security. With an initial $10 billion in direct equity investments, the initiative aims to help select companies accelerate growth, drive innovation and strengthen strategic manufacturing.

As Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorganChase, put it, “It has become painfully clear that the United States has allowed itself to become too reliant on unreliable sources of critical minerals, products and manufacturing – all of which are essential for our national security.” In this episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Jay Horine, Global Head of the Security and Resiliency Initiative, to discuss the priority areas that the initiative will be focusing on and the role that private companies play in making innovation happen.

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Amid fast-moving headlines and shifting market dynamics, it’s time to pause and take a fresh pulse on what matters most. From energy disruptions and inflation to the rise of AI and evolving consumer sentiment, today’s landscape calls for clarity and perspective. Explore the key forces shaping portfolios, uncover emerging opportunities, and rethink risk in a world where change is constant.

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Subscribe to the Notes on the Week Ahead podcast for more insights from Dr. David Kelly: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

After a dynamic start to 2026, the alternative investment landscape is evolving rapidly. In this episode, Aaron Mulvihill sits down with Jed Laskowitz, Global Head of Private Markets and Customized Solutions, and Anton Pil, Head of Global Alternative Investment Solutions. Earlier this year, Jed and Anton shared their perspectives on the 2026 Alternative Investments Outlook, spotlighting the key themes and opportunities shaping private markets across asset classes.

Now, as the year unfolds, they return to revisit those themes and explore how they’re playing out in real time. From the ripple effects of ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on private markets to the latest developments in private credit, they break down the forces driving today’s alternative investment environment.

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