ECB President Lagarde almost sounded like an economist yesterday, noting inflation pressures could go up or they could go down. While highlighting the increased economic uncertainty of 2025, Lagarde confirmed market expectations that the direction of ECB rates is down. There are seven ECB speakers jostling for media attention today.

On this week’s episode of Viewpoints, Burkhard reflects on the absence of an anticipated “Trump-put” amidst a rotation occurring across global equities. Burkhard also considers whether this current downturn is more of a short-term “panic-attack”, or the start of a new Bear Market. Plus, thoughts on how investors should position, and where to focus.

We examine how China has been responding to challenges on the trade-front, along with highlight how ex-US markets (including China) have been performing as of late. Plus, some takeaways from the National People’s Congress meeting, and a broader review of preferences across emerging market equities. Featured is Xingchen Yu, Emerging Markets Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

US President Trump imposed and retreated from aggressive taxes on US users of Canadian steel and aluminum, and Canada retreated from a surcharge on exports of electricity to the US. Canadian steel and aluminum are caught by yesterday’s global 25% tax on US consumers. The EU responded with taxes on its consumers (buyers of bourbon are badly hit), but the EU consumers have substitutes as taxes are only against US products.

Join CIO for a discussion on tariff uncertainty, inflation, and the implications of the artificial intelligence rally, hosted by Anthony Pastore and featuring Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation CIO Americas and Nadia Lovell, Senior Equity Strategist CIO Americas.

As potential risks around macro-and tariff-related uncertainties emerge in 2025, how should investors position in tech and take advantage of increasing near-term volatility? Plus, as German election results shape market sentiment, what's the outlook for European stocks and what tools can investors leverage?

Equity markets are not just about economics (equity analysts do not always listen to economists). However, shifting perceptions of economic risk seem to be behind recent US equity market moves. 2025 started with solid economic foundations in the US and other developed economies.

As US growth concerns persist, Jason explores how at risk the economy is of slowing (and the possibility of sliding into a recession). We also cover the latest on tariffs aimed by the US at Canada and Mexico, along with touch on policy and market developments in Germany. Plus, a look at CIO’s latest market outlook and portfolio positioning guidance. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

China’s consumer prices moved into deflation in February. Some of this is due to the timing of the lunar new year, and some of it is the impact of warmer weather on food prices (food has a higher weighting in China’s inflation calculation than in developed economies). However, markets are concerned that the low inflation environment does not suggest robust domestic demand.

We close out the trading week by assessing the latest round of jobs data, and what the numbers indicate about the health of the US labor market. Plus, take an inventory of tariff announcements, preview next week’s inflation readings, and reflect on recent equity market volatility. Featured is Brian Rose, Senior Economist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Shiavon Chatman