Paul drops by for timely reflections on the December FOMC meeting and provides a health-check on the U.S. economy. We also cover upcoming data-points of interest through year-end, along with expectations for monetary policy in 2026. Featured is Paul Hsiao, Asset Allocation Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The Federal Reserve once again mimicked the style of the Bank of England. There were multiple dissents. Governor Miran presumably has a bleak outlook, with his attempts at aggressive rate cuts getting rejected again. Two Fed Presidents voted for unchanged rates, presumably reflecting concern about the rising US cost of living. The dissents suggest the next Fed Chair may have difficulty asserting control over policy, especially if they command less respect in the Fed and markets.

On this week’s episode of Viewpoints, Burkhard talks about the renaissance of European stocks and banks, and spotlights the roaring markets and economies of Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain. Plus, some highlights from a cycling journey which spanned Zurich to the Italian city of Genua.

As 2026 quickly approaches, Paul drops by to discuss what small business owners should know about the policy and macro environment heading into the new year. Plus, a look at considerations when it comes to the potential impacts of Artificial Intelligence to the business environment, and how the dealmaking landscape could further evolve. Featured is Paul Hsiao, Asset Allocation Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The Federal Reserve’s December 2025 policy decision is finally revealed. The Fed has seemingly not attempted to change general expectations of a rate cut. Conspiracy theorists might suggest not delaying the meeting until the release of employment data implies Fed Chair Powell is confident about cutting—but there is likely to be some dissent. Dissent may cause trouble for Powell’s successor, if they command less respect than Powell.

Tune in for a timely year-end and yeah-ahead conversation on the municipal bond market, which include 2025 performance reflections and 2026 performance expectations. Featured are Daniel Close, Head of Municipals at Nuveen, and Doug Vissicchio, Head of Municipal Sales, Trading and Underwriting at UBS. Hosted by Sudip Mukherjee, Senior Fixed Income Strategist, UBS Chief Investment Office.

Germany’s October trade surplus was larger than expected, principally because of a steeper fall in import demand. Globally, trade away from the US remains robust and (more or less) normal.

We preview this week’s economic data releases, along with the December FOMC meeting. Plus, a look at some potential market-moving events to watch out for through year-end, and thoughts on what factors are supporting the equity rally as indexes once again approach record levels. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

China’s trade surplus exceeded one trillion US dollars in the 11 months to November. Round numbers do not matter in economics, but trends do. This surplus will help China meet its official growth target, compensating for somewhat lackluster domestic demand.

Tune in at the start of the trading week ahead of the New York opening bell as Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO Americas and Head of Global Equities for UBS Wealth Management, briefs you on what’s the signal, and what’s just noise in the markets. Recorded on 7 December 2025.