The September US employment report was finally released. This data’s quality has deteriorated dramatically—not because of the shutdown, but because survey response rates have been weak for some time, and the seasonal adjustment process in September has been a distortion in recent years. Payrolls rose, but so did the unemployment rate.

As 2025 nears an end, Jason Draho outlines the market and macro expectations of the UBS Chief Investment Office for 2026. We also consider whether AI can power the market even higher? How will governments manage rising debt? And how will politics shape markets in 2026? Plus, a review of key portfolio messages and positioning recommendations. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

On this week’s episode of Viewpoints, Burkhard shares his thoughts on what’s driving recent market momentum and the contributing factors to selling pressure. With year-end approaching, we also dive into CIO’s investment expectations for 2026. Plus, some boots-on-the-ground insights from Doha, Qatar into the profound transformation of the Gulf economies.

The Federal Reserve minutes offered some excitement, and it is not often that an economist gets to write those words. “Many” members of the Fed were opposed to the idea of a December rate cut. The Fed will not have a great deal of new information before it meets next month (thanks to the government shutdown), leading markets to reduce expectations for another rate cut this year.

Market volatility does not necessarily reflect shifts in the economic outlook. While some companies have suggested moderating consumer demand in the US, this may be just reflecting shifts in consumption patterns around the timing of trade tariffs, and should not be extrapolated into broader macroeconomic trends. The Federal Reserve minutes may offer more insight into the economy (at least as perceived by policy-makers).

With the U.S. government now reopen, investors are anxious to receive economic data that was halted during the shutdown period. So, what will investors receive and when? Jason drops by the studio to explain what to expect, and what it all could mean for a December Fed rate cut. Plus, thoughts on recent market price action. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The latest rhetoric from Federal Reserve members is not changing policy uncertainty. Fed Governor Waller highlighted US labor market brittleness—their rather dour outlook supporting a December rate cut. Simultaneously, the cost of living (or, more broadly, affordability) is in political focus, and Fed Vice-Chair Jefferson acknowledged that by suggesting the pace of policy easing could slow.

Rohit Chopra is a Portfolio Manager and Analyst on the Emerging Markets Equity and Emerging Markets Core Equity team at Lazard Asset Management. We cover a range of topics as it relates to the emerging markets, including how the asset class has evolved over the past year, and how to navigate investing in the asset class. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Leslie and Letty join to share reflections on recent asset class performance, including a look at the key factors behind outperformance of higher-quality bonds in high yield throughout 2025. Plus, a look at what CIO currently recommends for fixed income investors in the way of portfolio positioning. Featuring are Leslie Falconio, Head of Taxable Fixed Income Strategy Americas, and Letty Zemaitis, Fixed Income Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The Swiss-US trade deal marks another potential reduction in tariffs paid by US importers, following selective tariff cuts on imported foodstuffs. The Swiss tariffs were not in place long, and US importers may have anticipated this reduction; it is therefore questionable how much of the tariff was passed to US consumers. Other tariff reductions have not necessarily reduced consumer prices—less relevant in the Swiss case, but which matters to inflation perceptions in the case of food tariffs.