Marc To Markets

Send us Fan Mail

With the 10 Year Treasury hitting 5%, the bond market has taken center stage for many investors. On this episode, my Bernstein partner Rafa Bru and I discuss all the big issues in the bond market. Some of the topics include:

• The purpose of bonds in an investment portfolio
• How bond prices work and their relationship to interest rates
• Our outlook for bond returns going forward
• Forecast for the fed and interest rates changes
• The factors driving interest rates higher
• How best to structure a bond portfolio for today’s environment

We start with the basic but also get into more advanced strategies for those interested in a more technical discussion. 

Any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at [email protected] or 212-969-6655.

The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s).  AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation.

Send us Fan Mail

It was an excellent 2nd quarter, with markets rallying sharply after the March sell-off related to the Iran War. And now as we are enter earning seasons, will the data on the first half of the year be indicative of the path forward? On this episode, I covered: 

• Performance of markets through the first half of the year
• The current state of the economy, inflation, and employment
• The impact of AI on the market, both near and longer term, and concerns of a bubble
• The Fed’s next potential moves
• How to think about SpaceX and the expected wave of large IPOs 

This episode is a replay of a client webinar from August 2026.  With any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at [email protected] or 212-969-6655.

The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s).  AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein.

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode, I'm joined by Aaron Bates, Head of Bernstein's Ultra-High-Net-Worth practice. We discuss some of the key findings from his team's recent research study on how families think about wealth, as well as some of the more emotionally charged issues for wealthy families. Aaron discusses what he learned from speaking directly with UHNW families through the extensive research process. He shares how the desire and need for financial privacy can lead to a feeling of isolation; how a liquidity event or transaction can create questions around identity; as well as how to talk about money with the next generation.

Any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at [email protected] or 212-969-6655.

The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s).  AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation.

Send us Fan Mail

Stock markets experienced meaningful volatility in the 1st quarter, but then recently closed with the S&P 500 hitting new record highs. It has been an eventful start to 2026 with much to cover. On this podcast I discuss: 

1. The economic impact of the war in Iran 
2. How AI is influencing the market and the economy
3. Concerns in the private credit markets
4. Performance of various asset classes year-to-date 
5. The impact of higher oil prices on the US consumer and economy
6. An update on the bond market

This episode is a replay of a client webinar from April 2026.  With any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at [email protected] or 212-969-6655.

The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s).  AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein.

Send us Fan Mail

Globalization and global trade have been a top topic of discussion of late. In this episode I talk with Chris Brigham, a Senior Research Analyst at Bernstein, on their recent research piece Trading Places - The Future of Global Trade. We discuss the key findings of the research and if the current state of the Middle East and Iran impact his conclusions. We discuss how companies are thinking about supply chains and what investors should do within portfolios. Chris also shares his views of currency and the US Dollar as the world's reserve currency.

With any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at [email protected] or 212-969-6655.

The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s).  AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation.

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode I'm joined by Roosevelt Bowman, Senior Investment Strategist at Bernstein. Market volatility materially increased this week as war returned to the Middle East. We cover the four big issues in the market today: 1) The Iran war and oil prices 2) The private credit markets 3) AI's impact on the economy and stock market 4) The new nomination of a new chair of Federal Reserve. With any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at [email protected] or 212-969-6655.

The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s).  AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Send us Fan Mail

2025 was a successful year for investors, even with a heightened degree of uncertainty. On this episode, some of the topics I covered include: 

• Performance across various asset classes in 2025
• The outlook for 2026
• The state of the economy including data on employment, inflation, and interest rates
• The debate about if we are in a “bubble” and how AI and technology figure into our thinking
• The impact of the bull market on financial plans and how/if asset allocations should be adjusted in response

This episode is a replay of a client webinar from January 2026.  With any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at [email protected] or 212-969-6655.

The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s).  AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein.

Send us Fan Mail

We kick off Season 11 of Marc to Markets with Rick Meyers, Bernstein's Head of Client and Advisory Practice. On this episode we discuss:

• How the wealth management industry has changed over time and the impact it has had on investors.
• The differences in investing and the capital markets now versus in the past.
• The effect of AI on financial planning and advice.
• The changing nature of the role of a financial advisor and the advisory team.
• How the firm thinks about adding and enhancing investment and service capabilities for clients.

With any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at [email protected] or 212-969-6655.

The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s).  AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein.

Send us Fan Mail

Many investors have questions about IRAs and Roth IRAs as we approach year-end. On this episode I am joined by Andrew Bishop, a Senior Wealth Strategist at Bernstein. We start with the basics on contribution limits, then dive into the impact of the one big beautiful bill act (OBBBA) on retirement planning, the math around Roth IRA conversions, and then get into some of the complexities of using IRAs for generational wealth planning.  

With any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at [email protected] or 212-969-6655.

The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s).  AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein.

Send us Fan Mail

During the third quarter, the stock market continued to rally upon the backdrop of data points and events ranging from weakening labor markets and a government shutdown, to improving corporate profitability and a more accommodative federal reserve. It makes for an incredibly interesting time to review markets and economies.  On this podcast, some of the topics I cover include:

• Stock market returns, both in the US and abroad, through Q3
• Our outlook for interest rates, fed policy and the potential impact on bond returns
• The Magnificent 7 stocks’ performance, valuation, and impact on the market
• Ideas for how to manage potential volatility without becoming too defensive and hurting your long-term financial trajectory

This episode is a replay of a client webinar from October 2025.  With any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at [email protected] or 212-969-6655.

The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s).  AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein.