On this week’s episode of Viewpoints, fresh off a recent trip to Uganda, Burkhard reflects on his travel notes and connection to country. We also outline considerations when it comes to investing in Africa, and what to know about Africa’s stock markets.

France has just installed its fifth prime minister in just two years, after another government lost a vote of confidence over its efforts to cut the nation’s bloated deficit. What does this political dysfunction in Europe’s second largest economy mean for investors? Does this mean that investors should stick with the US, where equities have continued to hit record highs? In this week’s episode of Across the Pond Claudia Panseri, CIO for France, and Dean Turner, the CIO’s European economist, explains that there are still plenty of compelling investment opportunities in Europe. The prospect of a rising euro as the Fed starts cutting rates makes this a good time for US investors to ensure adequate exposure to investments in Europe.

The US courts have confirmed Fed Governor Cook will participate in tomorrow’s policy decision. The US Senate has confirmed Council of Economic Advisors Chair Miran will participate in tomorrow’s policy decision. Neither confirmation is likely to change the policy outcome—with a rate cut widely expected. Whether a rate cut will achieve much economically is a more uncertain point.

Jason returns following a brief late-summer hiatus to share thoughts on recent market performance, expectations for this week's FOMC meeting, and what the meeting outcome could mean for the market direction from here. Plus, a look at portfolio positioning recommendations. Featured is Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Investors await this week’s Federal Reserve meeting, less for the decision (a cut is expected) and more for signals about the Fed’s worries for the future. The latest initial jobless claims data showed a weakening labor market, but some of those layoffs may be temporary unemployment (one automaker temporarily laid off workers because of a parts shortage, for instance). Temporary unemployment is more easily smoothed over by consumers.

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 the most important market drivers in the week ahead, along with opportunities beyond the consensus. This week – the FOMC meeting and rate decision.

Shane drops by to update on government funding efforts ahead of the upcoming shutdown deadline, along with efforts in the Senate around the National Defense Authorization Act, and confirming Trump administration sub-cabinet nominees. Plus, thoughts on the US government taking direct equity stakes in private companies. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisors, Governmental Affairs US. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The August US consumer price inflation data was not surprising. Durable goods prices continue to rise—after 29 months of deflation, their inflation rate has been positive and rising since May. These are less frequent purchases and so while the price moves do erode spending power, the consumer tends to be less aware of them.

US official producer price inflation data was weaker than expected, but the details presented an interesting story. US assembled computers, electronic components, tires, and home textiles saw very abrupt increases in price, and the proxy for profit margins expanded for sectors like clothing stores.

Geopolitics is making headlines, but is generally ignored by markets. Israel’s air strike in Qatar moved the oil price a small amount, but investors are not pricing meaningful supply disruption. Reports of Russian incursions into Polish airspace are similarly downplayed. France has a new prime minister—Lecornu. While markets are not likely to bet on policy change, the US experience demonstrates the drag that policy uncertainty can have on corporate activity.