Watch the video version on YouTube

Municipal bonds have struggled so far in 2025 as increased issuance and elevated volatility have weighed on prices. However, with risks to the current economic expansion rising, the case for munis has only grown more compelling. On a tax-equivalent basis, muni yields are higher relative to Treasuries and compete with those offered by corporate credit. Additionally, the muni yield curve is steeper than other markets, meaning investors are compensated more for extending duration. At the same time, they have less credit risk. Not only do state balance sheets look healthy but across credit ratings, municipal bond default rates have been consistently lower than those of corporate bonds. All this said, the sector is not without its challenges. Federal spending cuts, tariffs and restrictive immigration policies could disrupt activity across municipalities, although these impacts will be felt differently across sectors and regions.

On this episode of Insights Now, Gabriela Santos is joined by Neene Jenkins, Head of Municipal Credit Research, to discuss Neene’s outlook for the sector.

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

Watch the video version on YouTube. 

With economic uncertainty slowing exits and borrowing costs remaining high, investors are becoming more selective in their targets. Meanwhile, groundbreaking advancements in AI and other technologies are driving compelling growth stories, yet those not involved in the startup and growth phases risk missing out on significant value creation before these companies hit the stock market. On this episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Paris Heymann, co-managing partner of Growth Equity Partners at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, who has an impressive career in venture and growth investing. They explore key themes affecting venture and growth investing, including how venture capital is adapting to longer holding periods, strategies for valuations and pricing in the current environment, the transformative impact of AI and the convergence of public and private markets.

Resources:

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

Watch the video version on YouTube

In the world of fixed income markets, investors are constantly navigating through a landscape marked by shifting economic dynamics and global diversification trends. As emerging market debt gains traction amid recent policy changes and currency fluctuations, the allure of higher yields and diversification opportunities becomes increasingly compelling. In this episode of Insights Now, join Gabriela Santos and Janet He, Head of EM Sovereign Research, as they explore the potential benefits and considerations of incorporating emerging market debt into investment portfolios.

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

Watch the video version on YouTube. 

Over the last two decades, the alternative investment industry has undergone significant changes globally as investors at all levels increasingly seek the unique returns and diversification benefits these assets offer within their portfolios. With the growing popularity of alternative investments, there's an increasing need for thought leadership to guide investors through the historic and current dynamics of various alternative asset classes.

In this episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Kerry Craig and Aaron Hussein, both Global Market Strategists at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Together, they will delve into the alternative investment industry across different markets worldwide and share valuable insights gathered from clients on the road.

Resources:

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

Watch the video version on YouTube.

In the ever-evolving landscape of fixed income markets, investors are faced with increased policy uncertainty and interest rate volatility. The Federal Reserve finds itself caught between signs of slowing economic momentum and the unpredictable impacts of tariffs. This environment has intensified concerns over foreign demand for U.S. debt, prompting investors to seek diversification strategies for their U.S. Treasury exposure. In the 14th season of Insights Now, we move up in the capital stack, diving deeper into the insights of J.P. Morgan’s best-in-class portfolio managers and research analysts, exploring the intricacies of fixed income markets. On this episode of Insights Now, Gabriela Santos is joined by Kelsey Berro, U.S. Macro Research, to discuss the current state of the bond market and the Federal Reserve’s potential actions.

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

Watch the video version on YouTube. 

It has been a busy and volatile month in the markets, one that certainly reminded us of the value of being diversified across public as well as private markets. Alternative investments have historically been limited to institutions like pension funds and insurance companies, due to high investment minimums and a high level of complexity. But that’s changing, with more investment options becoming available for individual investors like you and me.

On this episode, Aaron Mulvihill is joined by Jed Laskowitz, Global Head of Private Markets and Customized Solutions for J.P. Morgan Asset Management, to talk about the alternatives market landscape and how the industry is evolving.

Resources:

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

Watch the video version of YouTube. 

In our thirteenth season of Insights Now, we delved into the research that informed our portfolio managers' investment strategies. Gabriela Santos engaged in insightful discussions with top-tier buy-side equity research analysts from J.P. Morgan Asset Management, covering a diverse array of sectors such as semiconductors, payments and fintech, industrials, utilities, healthcare, and financials. For the last episode of the season, Gabriela Santos, Chief Market Strategist for the Americas, and David Kelly, our Chief Global Strategist, reflected on the most memorable highlights from that season's extensive conversations. Additionally, they answered the top three questions frequently received from clients, which unsurprisingly revolved around economic policies emerging from Washington, D.C., and their potential impacts on the economy and markets.

Resources:

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

Watch the video version on YouTube.

In this episode of Alternative Realities, we explore the dynamic world of private credit with Aaron Mulvihill, Global Market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, and Lynnette Ferguson, Global Co-Head of Investment Specialists for J.P. Morgan Alternative Asset Management, as they discuss the significant growth of private credit over the past decade and its role as a competitive alternative to traditional bank lending.

The conversation delves into the benefits private credit offers to both borrowers and investors, the interplay between private credit and private equity, and the emerging trends in asset-backed lending. Lynnette shares insights from her extensive experience in the industry, including lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis and the importance of relationships in private credit.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how interest rates, economic environments and regulatory changes impact the private credit market.

Resources:

Watch the video version on YouTube.

Financials, the second largest sector in the S&P 500, has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. As the Federal Reserve kicked off its aggressive rate hiking campaign in 2022, the yield curve inverted, loan growth slowed and M&A activity plummeted, all of which hampered earnings growth. Then, in March 2023, the failures of several U.S. regional banks sparked concerns about the health of the banking sector and commercial real estate market. The dust from this crisis gradually settled, which, in conjunction with Fed rate cuts and a resilient consumer, helped the sector gain over 30% in 2024. In fact, financial deregulation is now top of mind, with the Trump administration recently naming “regulatory dove” Michelle Bowman as the Federal Reserve’s next Vice Chair of Supervision. Prospects for increased deregulation, in addition to trends in consumer spending, will be key themes moving forward. Companies in financials tend to be represented in the value style and can be a good complement to growth exposure, especially the Magnificent 7.

On this episode of Insights Now, Gabriela Santos, is joined by Laura Huang, an equity research analyst covering financials at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, to discuss Laura’s day-to-day, and what she is seeing across her sector.

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

Watch the video version on YouTube. 

In this episode of Alternative Realities, we delve into the transformative landscape of venture and growth equity investing with a focus on technology and healthcare. Dr. David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, is joined by Patrick McGoldrick, Managing Partner of J.P. Morgan Private Capital, to discuss the evolution and current landscape of venture capital.

The conversation highlights the high-risk, high-reward nature of venture capital, the importance of skilled management and the strategic approach J.P. Morgan employs in identifying investment opportunities.

Join us as we explore the competitive advantages J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers as a partner to its portfolio companies and uncover the potential of venture and growth equity investing in today's market.

Resources: