Against the backdrop of a potential shutdown of the US government next month, Shane updates us on a range of priorities being addressed by Congress. We also update on the status of remaining cabinet-level confirmation hearings, along with ongoing negotiations for a Russia-Ukraine war resolution. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisors, Governmental Affairs US. Host: Daniel Cassidy

We discuss the European Union Omnibus regulations, along with Trump administration executive orders that have attracted attention to the sustainability landscape. Featured in-studio are Amantia Muhedini, Sustainable & Impact Investing Strategist Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office, and Dan Roarty, Chief Investment Officer of the Sustainable Thematic Equities team at AllianceBernstein. Host: Daniel Cassidy

US Treasury Secretary Bessent signaled that former US Treasury Secretary Yellen’s debt issuance plan would continue, implying no increase in longer-dated Treasury bonds and lowering 10-year yields. This support is threatened by talk of a “DOGE dividend” to taxpayers. There is a considerable gulf between claimed government savings and economists’ view of reality. Refunding illusionary savings would be a deficit-financed stimulus check.

Paul rejoins us in-studio to answer some of the most commonly asked questions our business-owner clients have regarding the M&A, Private Equity, Venture Capital, and IPO space in 2025. Featured is Paul Hsiao, Asset Allocation Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The minutes of the January Federal Reserve meeting gave a cautious policy outlook. Nervousness about the economic consequences of US President Trump’s policies was clear. In particular, the potential for Trump to ignite a further wave of inflation was cited. Companies seem more willing to pass on import tax increases to end consumers than in Trump’s first term (perhaps because consumers have become more accustomed to price increases). The potential for profit-led inflation may exaggerate that.

US President Trump threatened more taxes on US consumers, focused on autos, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. Trump rapidly retreated from trade taxes that would be very visible to US consumers—Gen Z would notice tariff-induced inflation for avocado on toast. Less visible taxes (like aluminum) have endured. The new proposals are partially visible—taxing new cars raises second-hand car prices and the cost of car insurance—but probably sufficiently disguised as to prevent a repeat retreat.

On this week’s episode of Viewpoints, Burkhard reflects on his recent travels to Africa and attendance at technology conferences across Europe - shedding light on the continental differences of our digital economy, along with opportunities to be aware of. Burkhard also previews the upcoming elections in Germany, and what clients and investors should be mindful of.

The Swiss franc has long been a safe haven during uncertain times - second only to the US dollar for many investors. But what makes the currency of the world's 20th largest economy so appealing? The small Alpine nation also boasts an impressively broad industrial base and an array of innovative companies. So, which other Swiss assets should global investors be considering? Featured in this episode is Daniel Kalt, CIO for Switzerland, alongside co-hosts Christopher Swann and Belinda Peeters.

Jason drops by the 1285 studio to share his assessment of recent economic data, including on inflation and retail sales. We also take inventory of recent policy developments out of Washington DC, spanning DOGE to tariffs, to Congressional budget negotiations. Plus, thoughts on overall market activity, and a look at positioning recommendations. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

UK labor market data was stronger than forecast, with some positive revisions to previous month’s data. Anguished corporate cries about tax increases and related projections of mass unemployment do not (so far) appear in any of the data. Employment growth seems especially strong amongst the middle-aged, who matter because they have an important degree of spending power.