UBS Trending

As we look ahead to the second half of 2024, it’s decision time—for the Federal Reserve, for the US electorate, and for investors.

The first half of 2024 has been bullish for markets. Meanwhile, we have some important milestones to hit in the 2nd half of the year such as the US election and potential rate cuts.

Today, housing faces a number of challenges – interest rates have risen dramatically, home insurance premiums have gone up, and at the same time, extreme weather and energy security are posing new challenges.

Markets are near all-time highs and for the past couple of years, it feels like equities only go one direction…up. For the second half of the year. What could investors do to make the appropriate decisions for their portfolios?

Today, a special extended edition of UBS Trending, with CIO’s Leslie Falconio and special guest, Blackrock’s Rick Rieder. We’ll take a deep dive into the Fed, inflation, markets and investment opportunities.

US elections could impact European trade policies, defense budgets, and overall economic growth. Dean Turner, UK Economist CIO, UBS Global Wealth Management, looks at how different outcomes could affect these key areas.

At first glance, you might read the recent statement from the Fed and think “same ol’ same ol’. However, if you read between the lines, I think you might find some real insight into what their thinking is.

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but can it lead a country? Lebanon has launched an AI-powered president, and Paul Aaron, CEO and co-founder of Addition—a collaborator on the project—shares its progress and potential.

Richard Bernstein sits down to have a conversation about how, historically, trends tend to recycle, i.e. fashion, movies, or music. But what about financial markets? Are we doomed to repeat past trends or do we say “this time is different?”

As we hoped for rate cuts, that didn’t happen, and the fear is what’s next as we get closer to the next Fed meeting. And muni bonds have seen the biggest sales boom since at least 2013. Why?