The Fed's dual mandate faces unique challenges as artificial intelligence (AI) adoption creates new uncertainty around employment and rate trajectory.

Tim Leary, Senior Portfolio Manager on RBC GAM's BlueBay U.S. Fixed Income team, examines how AI-driven economic transformation is reshaping the outlook for rates and credit markets.

• Strong fundamentals support elevated rates - US gross domestic product (GDP) growth fueled by AI capex, low unemployment, solid corporate earnings, and consumer cash balances higher than pre-COVID levels across all income bands (even after adjusting for inflation).
• AI adoption uncertainty is the critical unknown - The Fed's dual mandate of full employment and price stability will inevitably be tested as AI reshapes the job market, creating unpredictability in both economic direction and rate trajectory.
• High yield offers a potentially compelling income opportunity - With rates elevated and portfolios shorter in duration, investors are increasingly attracted to the steady cash flow that high yield can provide in today's environment.