Outerblue

After an eventful summer for the markets and policymakers, particularly in the bond markets, our podcast series regulars reunite to recap the major movements in the markets over the past few weeks. Listen further to discover what these market events mean for investors and our own investment views.

In this episode of Amundi Convictions, our host, Swaha Pattanaik, returns to the studio to speak with Monica Defend, head of the Amundi Investment Institute. They focus first on the sharp rise in global bond yields and the policy interventions that rattled markets over the summer.

Starting with Japan’s shifting monetary regime and the implications of yen and JGB moves, the episode also looks at the U.S. Treasury’s market operations and the limits of fiscal intervention.

Monica details the reasons behind Amundi's out of consensus call on the Fed, and what we expect for the ECB's next move in interest rates. Finally, the conversation closes with Amundi's investment views; why have equities and credit stayed resilient despite higher rates, what is driving the case for curve steepening, and what signals should investors be watching closely?

Concise, timely and highly relevant, this episode offers investors practical insight into navigating market volatility and policy shifts and how to identify the signals driving markets.

Topics covered: US treasury, interest rates, Japan, bond yields, yield curve steepening, short maturities, long maturities, central bank policy, Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, inflation, bond market volatility, bonds, equities, valuations, hyperscalers, AI

For more insights, visit the Amundi Research Center.

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Retirement investing is changing as individuals take on more responsibility for their long-term outcomes, especially in defined contribution pension plans and personal savings. In this episode of Outerblue Talks Research, host Swaha Pattanaik speaks with Dominic Byrne, Global Head of Retirement Solutions at Amundi, about how lifecycle investing is evolving to include glidepath strategies. They also discuss why the traditional approach to retirement portfolios is being remixed for a world of longer careers, more job changes, and greater demand for personalization.

They discuss how the glide path helps portfolios adapt over time by balancing human capital and financial capital, and why broader diversification matters when stock-bond correlations are less reliable. The conversation also explores the role of private assets such as private equity and infrastructure in long-horizon portfolios, the growing use of data and artificial intelligence in tailoring solutions, and the importance of regulation and operating models in shaping practical retirement design.

Concise, timely and highly relevant, this episode offers valuable insight for investors, plan sponsors and asset allocators looking to understand how retirement solutions are adapting to changing labour markets, changing client needs and changing markets.

Thank you for listening to the latest Outerblue Talks Research, read the full paper on the lifecycle remix on the Amundi Research Center: https://research-center.amundi.com/article/lifecycle-remix-glidepaths-personalisation-and-private-assets

Keywords:

lifecycle investing, glide paths, human capital, financial capital, defined contribution pensions, portfolio diversification, private assets, private equity, infrastructure, personalization, artificial intelligence, regulation, auto-enrolment, retirement planning, wealth management, long-term investing, accumulation, retirement income, data, investment design

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In a special edition of Outerblue Convictions, Swaha Pattanaik sits down with Monica Defend, Head of the Amundi Investment Institute, to unpack Amundi's mid-year investment outlook, The Power of Endurance.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical shocks, shifting central bank priorities and the continued strength of AI-related trades, the discussion explores why global growth may remain resilient but uneven, with fragile de-escalation abroad and broadening AI adoption continuing to shape the macro and market landscape.

Monica outlines the outlook for central banks, arguing that inflation risk is now taking centre stage across key markets as we see a more cautious stance from the Fed while the ECB continues its internal debate on its next steps. The episode explores how monetary policy in the different regions may evolve and what this might mean for the fixed income yield curve. 

The discussion then turns to the fast-moving Forex market and our expectations for the different major currencies, highlighting the potential medium-term weakness of the US dollar, diversification away from USD-denominated assets and selective opportunities in sterling. Monica also addresses concentration risk in AI and the need to explore the whole AI value chain and industrial beneficiaries.

Concise, timely and highly relevant, this episode on the investment outlook for 2026 offers valuable insight for investors and asset allocators seeking to build more resilient portfolios. Tune in for expert perspectives on resilience, diversification, selectivity and the themes likely to shape the rest of 2026. 

Topics covered: Investment outlook, central banks, interest rates, inflation, monetary policy, investment views, asset allocation, risk, economy, geopolitics, Federal Reserve, ECB, markets, investors, fixed income, United States, FX, diversification, gold, hedging, real assets

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Global markets are being shaped by a fast-moving geopolitical backdrop, with rising tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz adding to volatility across rates, credit and equities. In this episode of Outerblue Convictions, host Swaha Pattanaik speaks with Monica Defend, Head of the Amundi Investment Institute, about how the team is interpreting the latest moves in macro and bond market volatility, and what this means for portfolio allocation.

They discuss why bond yields have risen so sharply, how uncertainty around energy supply and inflation is feeding through to central bank expectations, and why the shape of the yield curve matters as much as the level of rates. Monica explains that steepening, meaning a wider gap between short- and long-dated maturities, has become a key signal as bond markets reassess policy, growth and fiscal risks. The conversation also covers the latest views on the European Central Bank, the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve, and why the medium-term case for yield curve steepening remains intact even if the tactical picture is less clear.

The discussion then turns to equities, where resilience has held up surprisingly well but may face pressure from higher rates, valuation sensitivity and rising debt-service costs. Monica also assesses the UK market through the lens of credibility, fiscal discipline and term premium, drawing comparisons with Italy’s past experience in bond markets. Concise, timely and highly relevant, this episode offers practical insight for investors navigating a more volatile and differentiated environment.

Topics covered: geopolitics, Strait of Hormuz, bond yields, yield curve steepening, short maturities, long maturities, central bank policy, European Central Bank, Bank of England, Federal Reserve, inflation, energy prices, sovereign bonds, bond market volatility, equities, valuations, debt service costs, fiscal credibility, term premium, United Kingdom, Italy

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Long-term investing looks very different in a world defined by ruptures, from geopolitical fragmentation and strategic competition to artificial intelligence, demographic change and shifting currency dynamics. In this episode of Outerblue Talks Research, host Swaha Pattanaik speaks with Monica Defend, Head of the Amundi Investment Institute, and John O’Toole, Global Head and CIO of Solutions, about Amundi’s latest Capital Markets Assumptions (CMA) report and what it means for investors over the years ahead.

They explore why the current environment is no longer just a series of temporary shocks, but a deeper structural change in the investment landscape. Monica explains how persistent inflation, strategic autonomy, energy security and industrial policy are reshaping the macro backdrop, while John highlights the growing importance of currencies, fiscal conditions and a more selective approach to portfolio construction.

The discussion continues with a closer look at how ruptures will impact expected returns across fixed income, equities, credit, gold and private assets. Bonds are regaining their role as a source of income and diversification, while equities still offer attractive long-term potential, albeit with more dispersion across regions. The conversation also examines why artificial intelligence is both a growth opportunity and a source of higher concentration risk, and why gold and private markets are becoming more strategic in long-term portfolios.

Concise, timely and highly relevant, this episode offers valuable insight for investors and asset allocators seeking to navigate a new market environment defined by structural ruptures. Tune in for expert perspectives on resilience, diversification, selectivity and the themes likely to shape returns in the decade ahead.

Thank you for listening to the latest Outerblue Talks Research, read the full Capital Market Assumptions paper on the Amundi Research Center: https://research-center.amundi.com/article/capital-market-assumptions-2026

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Market Analysis and Investment Views by Outerblue Convictions

Markets have remained surprisingly resilient despite a fast-moving news cycle, rising geopolitical tensions and growing uncertainty around the outlook for growth and inflation. In this episode of Outerblue Convictions, host Swaha Pattanaik speaks with Monica Defend, Head of the Amundi Investment Institute, following the IMF spring meetings in Washington to discuss the structural shifts now shaping markets and what they mean for investors.

They examine the implications of a more fragile global backdrop, including the impact of geopolitical risk on oil prices, inflation persistence and central bank policy. Monica shares why the ECB and the Fed may need to keep rates higher for longer, while the Bank of Japan remains an exception. They also explore what markets may be underestimating, from the risk of a new geopolitical regime, to the potential for a disorderly repricing of US assets.

The discussion continues with a look at fixed income, equities, gold and the US dollar, as well as the importance of selectivity, quality and diversification in portfolios. With markets still pricing in optimism despite stretched valuations and persistent uncertainty, Monica explains why investment views may need to extend beyond traditional assumptions and prepare for a more demanding investment environment.

Concise, timely and highly relevant, this episode offers valuable insight for investors and asset allocators looking to understand the key macroeconomic, geopolitical and market themes shaping the second half of the year. Tune in for expert perspectives on asset allocation, central bank policy and the role of diversification in a changing world.

Thank you for listening to the latest Market Analysis and Investment Views, read our latest articles on the Amundi Research Center: https://research-center.amundi.com/ 

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The war in Iran has shaken markets and is threatening the stability of the global economy. As energy prices surge and the news flow comes thick and fast, this month’s host, Silvia Di Silvio, speaks to Monica Defend, Head of the Amundi Investment Institute, to hear her thinking on the crisis and how it is changing Amundi's investment views.

They take a closer look at what the war means for inflation, both in the near and longer-term, and when a temporary supply shock might turn into a more permanent change to the economic regime. They also consider the potential reactions from central banks as policymakers try to manage this complex environment of higher inflation, due to energy prices, combined with weaker growth.

The edition continues with a focus on the US dollar, which has been faring relatively well in the current crisis. Do we expect this to be the end of the USD downward trajectory?

Finally, we wrap up with a review of how these developments are impacting our asset allocation and portfolio construction views and the importance of smarter, multi-layered diversification in building resilient portfolios.

Concise, insightful and timely, this episode is essential listening for investors and asset allocators seeking a clear, expert take on macro-economic signals and monetary policy moves. Tune in for practical perspectives, investment views and the themes that will shape portfolios in the short and medium-term. 

To learn more, read our latest articles on the Amundi Research Center: https://research-center.amundi.com/ 

Topics covered: Energy crisis, conflict, Iran, inflation, monetary policy, investment views, asset allocation, risk, economy, geopolitics, central banks, Federal Reserve, markets, investors, interest rates, equities, United States, USD, diversification, gold, hedging,

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As tariffs figures once again hit the headlines, our new episode of Outerblue Convictions measures the feeling in the markets and looks at some of the main drivers over the past few weeks. Swaha Pattanaik speaks to Monica Defend, head of the Amundi Investment Institute, to gauge her reaction to the latest round of tariffs, and whether these impact our investment views.

This month's episode looks at the switch we've seen in global markets in this new era of controlled disorder, analyses some of the disruptions from AI that are already starting to play out, and explores some of the diversification opportunities that can be found in this fragmented environment. We also discuss whether we can expect the gold rally to continue, why India remains a key investment theme, and we finish by looking forward to the upcoming EU summit and why it might be relevant for markets.

Concise, insightful and timely, this episode is essential listening for investors and asset allocators seeking a clear, expert take on macro-economic signals and monetary policy moves. Tune in for practical perspectives, investment views and the themes that will shape portfolios in the short and medium-term. 

Topics covered: Market forecasts, monetary policy, policy making, investment views, asset allocation, economy, central banks, gold, markets, investors, equities, bonds, fixed income, Europe, India, emerging markets, AI, diversification, tariffs,

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After a flurry of headlines and announcements from the annual World Economic Forum in Davos in January, one key message is likely to survive after most of the speeches have been long-forgotten; The world is facing a rupture in the international order.  

Catching-up last week on her return from the meetings, Monica Defend, head of the Amundi Investment Institute, sat down with our host, Swaha Pattanaik, to share her observations from the ground and on how this rupture is likely to impact our economic research and investment views.

As policy, geopolitics and volatility drive the market cycle, we look at what this means for the monetary policy outlook in the US and the key data driving forecasts. We consider some of the short and medium-term trends we're seeing in the markets, particularly gold and the forces driving the record highs, what's been impacting the US dollar, and examine what has been happening in the Japanese market, both for foreign exchange and government bonds.

Concise, insightful and timely, this episode is essential listening for investors and asset allocators seeking a clear, expert take on macro-economic signals and monetary policy moves. Tune in for practical perspectives, investment views and the themes that will shape portfolios in the short and medium-term. 

To learn more, read the article on the same topic: https://research-center.amundi.com/article/diversification-response-rupture

Topics covered: Market forecasts, monetary policy, policy making, investment views, asset allocation, economy, Davos, geopolitics, central bank, Federal Reserve, Japan, Gold, markets, investors, interest rates, bonds, fixed income, FX, foreign exchange, United States, diversification

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It's the time of year to look ahead, reflect back on what has happened, and make resolutions for the coming year. After explaining our market forecasts and investment views for 2026 in last month's podcast, in this episode we're focusing more closely on a key factor that drives market movements, monetary policy.

Sitting down with Monica Defend, Head of the Amundi Investment Institute, for the last time this year, our host, Swaha Pattanaik, asks all the essential questions to help investors understand the different expectations for monetary policy decisions in the months to come and which resolutions are realistic. 

Starting with the largest, the Federal Reserve, we explore the baseline scenario, we analyse the competing pressures and how the Fed is responding.  We then compare this to the outlook in the Eurozone and our expectations for the ECB in 2026 in terms of interest rate movements. Finally, we compare these potential developments to our portfolio positioning in fixed income and equities and discuss some of the fragilities investors need to keep in mind.

Concise, insightful and timely, this episode is essential listening for investors and asset allocators seeking a clear, expert take on macro-economic signals and monetary policy moves. Tune in for practical perspectives, investment views and the themes that will shape portfolios in the year ahead.

Topics covered: Market forecasts, monetary policy, policy making, investment views, asset allocation, economy, central bank, Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, growth, GDP, markets, investors, inflation, interest rates, bonds, fixed income, equities, United States, Europe, emerging markets, diversification

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