We are in the home stretch of peak summer vacation season and that has translated to a calm in the markets. Economic data, however, continues to roll in with potential implications for the course of Fed monetary policy. Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas from the UBS Chief Investment Office, discusses these implications, along with current investor sentiment and portfolio positioning. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Japan’s preliminary second-quarter GDP data was weaker than expected—though the headline changes were exaggerated by the fiction of annualization. Consumer spending weighed on the growth rate. While international investors have been eager to see the Bank of Japan as being too late with rate increases, the data seems to support a more gradual approach.

AI is blurring the lines between asset classes, creating correlated exposures where portfolios may appear diversified on the surface. This episode considers the limits of asset-class diversification and explores how a more dynamic, scenario-based approach can offer a clearer view of portfolio risk and help investors build more resilient portfolios.

Rich rejoins for a wide-ranging conversation with Jason that covers equity valuations, Q2 earnings reflections, Fed monetary policy, the US macroeconomic environment, and more. Plus, thoughts on portfolio positioning through year-end. Featured are Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office, and Richard Bernstein, Global Head of Macro and Customized Investing at Janus Henderson Investors. Host: Daniel Cassidy

July US producer price data did nothing to change economists’ outlook for the Federal Reserve. Lettuce prices collapsed 72% from the previous month—this follows a health scare and a demand drop, and is unlikely to be touted as an example of disinflation by the administration.

Following another busy week of corporate earnings releases and equities reaching all-time-highs, Burkhard weighs equity valuations, whether the data-center boom is sustainable, the longevity of productivity momentum, along with where the global race for AI dominance stands today.

The July US consumer price inflation data was as expected. This allowed headline writers to wax lyrical about “easing pressures on the US Federal Reserve”. Economists are not rushing to change views—the economic consensus is very clearly for unchanged US rates this year. Non-oil price pressures still seem benign, but this print was flattered by fewer gasoline price increases that will be evident in the August data.

Eric Kazatzky is a Managing Director and Client Portfolio Manager at MacKay Shields (an affiliate of New York Life Investment Management). As we’re just past the mid-way point of the year, Eric outlines YTD muni market performance, and shares a year-end performance outlook. We cover the outperformance of Revenue Bonds, whether opportunity still exists in the 12-22-year portion of the yield curve, and how to think about High Yield munis in the second-half. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Today's US July consumer price inflation data will be less precise than in the past. There are more gaps in the data, and those gaps are filled by (educated) guesswork. Blunting consumer price precision will not impact markets however—investors are straining to second-guess what the Federal Reserve will do with policy. The reaction to a single weaker employment report shows the potency of any data release at the moment.

Dan and Sean drop by for a hedge fund performance update and outlook. We discuss the year-to-date evolution of risk and capital deployment, common themes observed in hedge fund books, along with strategies to consider in the current environment. Featured are Dan Scansaroli, Head of Global Investment Management Multi-Asset Solutions & Co-Head Investment Management Americas, & Sean Sanborn, Hedge Fund Strategist. Host: Daniel Cassidy