PODCAST · business
Portfolio Intelligence Podcast
by Manulife John Hancock Investments
Portfolio Intelligence Podcast with John Bryson, head of investment consulting at Manulife John Hancock Investment Management, features interviews with asset allocation experts, portfolio construction specialists, and investment veterans from across Manulife John Hancock’s multimanager network. The dynamic discussion explores ideas advisors can use today to build their business while helping their clients pursue better investment outcomes.
Episodes
-
Supporting clients through college planning and transition
The college journey is one of the most significant milestones for families. In this episode, John Bryson is joined by Nancy and Gail to share insights on financial planning, admissions decisions, family dynamics, and managing the emotional transition. Together, they discuss the wide range of...
-
From AI to the Fed: what could shape the rest of 2026?
Few trends have influenced markets more this year than the AI buildout, evolving policy expectations, and uncertainty in energy markets. On this timely episode with host John Bryson, Matt and Emily share their latest insights on what's ahead for investors. They explain why economic growth and...
-
Advising through the business exit journey
Although the next decade presents a significant wealth transfer opportunity, many business owners lack a formal exit or succession plan to capture the full value of their life’s work. Host John Bryson welcomes Kathleen to discuss how financial advisors can help business owners maximize value,...
-
Finding value in fixed income amid equity volatility
As investors navigate a volatile market shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, host John Bryson welcomes Jeff to discuss what it all means for bond investors. Jeff shares his thoughts on the U.S. economic outlook, examining opportunities along the yield curve, and why fixed income may be…
more -
How AI is driving equity momentum and attractive alternatives
As equity markets continue to gain momentum following a March drawdown, host John Bryson welcomes Matt to help investors make sense of the market and economy, and how to navigate an uneasy rally. Matt shares his perspective on the drivers behind stronger-than-expected corporate earnings…
more -
Positioning portfolios for volatility with long/short investing
As investors look to adapt portfolios to a more complex and uneven equity market, host John Bryson is joined by Josh to discuss how global long/short equity strategies can support portfolios in volatile times. Josh shares his perspective on why volatility and dispersion can create attractive...
-
How to approach alternatives and private credit today
As investors assess both the opportunities and challenges in private credit, host John Bryson is joined by David T. Vincent, CFA, CAIA, Co-Head, Alternatives Intermediary Distribution at Manulife Investment Management, to discuss how the market has evolved and what investors should consider as…
more -
What energy shocks mean for markets and investors
As markets navigate energy supply disruptions and mixed economic data, Matt and Emily join the podcast to provide a timely, broad market update. They share their perspectives on how oil supply shocks are affecting markets, how energy dynamics are influencing inflation and growth expectations, and...
-
The role of municipal bonds in tax-efficient portfolios
After a bumpy year with shifting supply dynamics and uneven performance, the muni market has regained its footing. In this episode, host John Bryson speaks with Adam for a discussion on what’s driving improved performance and the opportunities for investors. Adam breaks down how issuance trends,...
-
Beyond home bias and the case for international equities
International equities have recently generated meaningful outperformance relative to U.S. equities, suggesting a material shift after an extended period of U.S. dominance. Host John Bryson is joined by Dean Bumbaca, CFA, portfolio manager at Axiom Investors, to discuss why international markets...
-
Market update and key investment themes for 2026
As markets enter 2026, investors are seeking clarity on how to navigate shifting risks and opportunities. Matt and Emily join the podcast to provide a wide-ranging market update amid the ongoing volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. They share their perspectives on what investors should watch...
-
The role of alternative investments in modern portfolios
As the investment landscape continues to evolve, alternative investments are playing a larger role in portfolio construction. In this episode, host John Bryson talks with Pattie about the factors driving increased interest in this segment. Pattie shares insight into the development of new product...
-
Focusing on income and quality: portfolio positioning for 2026
2025 was a year unlike any other, with politics and sentiment driving markets more than fundamentals. In this episode, host John Bryson welcomes Matt and Emily to share their views on what shaped the year and how they’re thinking about portfolio positioning for 2026. Matt and Emily discuss why...
-
What you need to know about Medicare planning
Medicare is a cornerstone of retirement planning, but its complexity can leave many retirees feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, host John Bryson, head of investment consulting, investment data analytics, and education savings at Manulife John Hancock Investments, welcomes Danielle to break…
more -
What’s driving the renewed focus on municipal bonds
After a year marked by early uncertainty and underperformance, the municipal bond market has rallied, offering investors attractive yields and renewed opportunity as 2025 draws to a close. In this episode, host John P. Bryson welcomes Adam for a timely discussion on what’s driving performance in...
-
Taking stock: mixed economic signals, Fed expectations
As the economic landscape grows more complex, investors and advisors are facing new questions about growth, inflation, and what the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) may do next. In this episode, host John P. Bryson is joined by Matt and Emily, who discuss the strength of the ongoing market rally…
more -
Celebrating 100 episodes with John Bryson
In a twist for the 100th episode of the Portfolio Intelligence podcast, the roles are reversed as Justin Clarke, CRPC, senior vice president, takes over duties to interview the series’ regular host, John Bryson, head of investment consulting. Since the podcast’s inception in 2020, John has been...
-
How OBBBA changes affect college funding and savings
The landscape of college funding has shifted with the passage of OBBBA. As families prepare for future education costs, understanding these changes becomes crucial. In this episode, Mark joins podcast host John P. Bryson to unpack the details of this comprehensive legislation. He delves into how...
-
Post-summer outlook: evaluating the market landscape
With fresh economic data and anticipated interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve, the market has a lot to look forward to as the back-to-school season ushers in a time of renewed focus. In this episode, host John Bryson sits down with Matt and Emily for a timely check-in as summer draws…
more -
Know what you own: fixed-income in focus
Understanding the nuances of private and public fixed-income portfolios is crucial for advisors to deliver effective outcomes for clients. Our Head of Investment Product Management Matthew C. Hammer, CRPC, discusses strategies for crafting resilient fixed-income portfolios.
-
Demystifying the Social Security Fairness Act
With the Social Security Fairness Act now in effect, significant changes are under way for retirement benefits. In a conversation with podcast host John P. Bryson, Brooke delves into the implications of eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)…
more -
Understanding active ETFs and ETF share classes
Active ETFs are gaining traction as a tool for alpha generation, while the potential for an ETF share class has come to the forefront in the past few months. Steve discusses considerations for investors looking to incorporate these investment options into their portfolios in this episode with...
-
Cutting through the noise—portfolio positioning in a shifting economy
Whether we’re considering domestic or international equities, market movements and valuations seem to be reflecting sentiments rather than underlying fundamentals. Moving into the second half of 2025, it’s crucial to look beyond inflated valuations and seek pockets of opportunity that offer both...
-
College admissions—navigating test-optional applications
The college admissions process can be incredibly competitive and stressful―intense strategizing is required. The lack of clarity around the role that standardized admissions tests such as the SAT and ACT play in the process doesn’t help. College admissions coach Nancy Steenson joins podcast host...
-
From inflation to rate cuts—evaluating potential tariff impacts
Spring, they say, can really hang you up the most―and that’s the tune that’s played out in the markets so far, in the wake of Liberation Day. Might the proposed tariffs lead to a recession? How should investors position their portfolios amid uncertainty? Take a listen to what Matthew D. Miskin,...
-
Reframing the way we think about women, wealth, and investing
For many of us, the word “investor” tends to be closely associated with the male gender. This may need to change soon because women are on track to control 38% of investable wealth by 2030. Our Director of Practice Management, Kathleen Pritchard, and Divisional Sales Manager, Megan Hopps, explain...
-
How might tariffs affect U.S. growth and the Fed’s approach to rates?
Tariffs―a topic that’s dominated many conversations in recent days, and likely, for many more to come. Alex Grassino, global chief economist at Manulife Investment Management, joins podcast host John P. Bryson to explore how tariffs can affect the way businesses and consumers think about their...
-
Avoid pumping up the volume—tempering return expectations
Markets started the year on a slightly uneven footing as issues such as stock-price valuation, tariffs, and U.S. interest rates weighed on sentiment. While our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, think compelling investing opportunities can still be...
-
Why U.S. stocks may continue to do well in 2025
A new year typically ushers in new hopes. Where Wall Street’s concerned, 2025 may well ring in new highs. Emory W. (Sandy) Sanders, Jr., CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager at Manulife Investment Management shares his investment approach with podcast host, John P. Bryson, and explains why he’s feeling...
-
Market outlook: what’s changed since the election?
After an initial burst of euphoria following the election, investors appear to have adopted a more cautious mood as they assess how the incoming administration might shape financial markets. Our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, share their views.
-
Medicare decisions for today’s retirees
Danielle K. Roberts, co-founding partner of the insurance agency Boomer Benefits, joins podcast host John P. Bryson to discuss what today’s retirees and near-retirees need to know about Medicare and how to factor healthcare costs into their overall financial plans and decision-making. Danielle,...
-
How should investors approach private credit?
It wasn’t that long ago when private credit, as an asset class, was all but available to everyday investors. But that’s changing, thanks to growing retail interest in alternative assets. What should investors know about private credit before making room for the asset class in their portfolio?...
-
How should investors approach portfolio positioning as rate cuts begin
Judging by market reaction, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to lower rates at its recent meeting appears to have assuaged concerns about a pending recession. Podcast host John P. Bryson caught up with our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, and...
-
Paying for college without falling into deep debt
Financial literacy is especially important for college students, given the costs of taking on excessive student debt or selecting a school or major that isn’t a good match. With a background in college admissions, recruitment, and finance, the University of Alaska’s Lael Oldmixon shares insight…
more -
Looking beyond mega-tech
In a year where investor focus was squarely trained on mega-cap technology stocks, small caps finally found their moment in the second week of July. Was it just a momentary break from normal service, or is it a signal of a broader stock rotation to come? Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, our Co-Chief...
-
Finding value in today’s markets
The continuing sense of euphoria surrounding the technology sector may suggest that growth stocks are the place to be. But at what point does valuation become a stumbling block for investors? Our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, share their views.
-
Amid uncertainty, is stock rotation the way forward?
Dusting off the stock-rotation playbook in the past few months turned out to be a good decision for some investors, but will it continue to be relevant going forward? Our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, take stock of recent market developments…
more -
Tips for making college admissions officers say, ‘wow’
How do you make your college application and essay stand now that AI can influence how application materials are generated and screened? Hear from Nancy Steenson, a college admissions coach, as she joins the podcast and host John Bryson to offer tips for students and parents as they navigate...
-
Investing with patience in a higher-for-longer rate environment
An initial round of interest-rate cuts no longer appears to be imminent, given recently uneven inflation data and robust jobs growth that have prompted the U.S. Federal Reserve to put a dovish policy shift on hold. What does this delayed timeline mean for equities and fixed income heading into...
-
Will the impressive stocks rally in Q1 continue?
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-19/record-bloat-set-stage-for-record-pain-in-cross-asset-portfolios
-
Navigating the Fed’s on-again, off-again pivot on interest rates
The U.S. equity market continued to rally in early 2024, even as the latest inflation data and the economy’s resilience prompted the U.S. Federal Reserve to dampen expectations for a full-fledged pivot to an aggressive rate-cutting stance through year end. What’s an investor to do in this highly...
-
Is there still time to move cash off the sidelines and into bonds?
Amid a shifting interest-rate outlook and inflation picture, the U.S. fixed-income market saw a swift reversal in 2023 as bond yields spiked through most of the year before sinking beginning in late October. With that recent volatility fresh in mind, we explore the outlook for the rest of 2024…
more -
Earnings optimism and rate-cut expectations are driving sentiment: is it sustainable?
As market expectations of interest-rate cuts solidifies, the investment case for fixed-income asset is likely already well telegraphed. The story for equities, however, could be slightly more complex. Might U.S. stocks extend their 2023 winning streak into the new year as the lagged effects of...
-
What does November’s rally tell us about bonds and rates?
The month of November no doubt brought a fair amount of relief to investors who had been, up to that point, operating under a huge cloud of uncertainty. News that inflation had eased more than expected in October strengthened the case for a pause in interest-rate hikes and sparked a rally in the...
-
Understanding Medicare coverage
Danielle Roberts, founding partner of the insurance agency Boomer Benefits, joins podcast host John P. Bryson to discuss the ins and outs of Medicare, an important part of many retirees' financial planning. Danielle outlines the different parts of Medicare coverage, addresses common…
more -
Unpacking the muni market: our late 2023 outlook for municipal bonds
Adam A. Weigold, CFA, senior portfolio manager and head of municipal bonds at Manulife Investment Management, joins podcast host John P. Bryson to discuss the state of the municipal bond market and emerging trends in the segment. Adam explains how munis’ primarily retail investor base shapes...
-
Navigating the financial markets in Q4 2023 and beyond
Our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, return to the podcast to discuss the late September rise in market volatility and their outlook for the fourth quarter of 2023 and beyond. They discuss how the current environment is affecting different asset...
-
Cutting the cost of college with financial aid and other resources
College is an expensive undertaking. In this episode, Peg Keough of College Aid Pro discusses ways to reduce college costs by leveraging financial aid and other resources. She explores why most families don’t apply for financial aid, discusses what families can do to increase potential aid, and...
-
China’s troubles, easing U.S. inflation, and other top Q3 issues for investors
With earnings season coming to a close, our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, join podcast host John P. Bryson to share their market outlook. They discuss the latest data pointing to an economic slowdown in China and the contagion risks that it…
more -
Portfolio positioning for Q3 2023 and beyond
Our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, return to the podcast to discuss their market outlook at midyear 2023. Among the topics covered: How will the U.S. Federal Reserve keep inflation in check without risking a recession and what are the…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Portfolio Intelligence Podcast with John Bryson, head of investment consulting at Manulife John Hancock Investment Management, features interviews with asset allocation experts, portfolio construction specialists, and investment veterans from across Manulife John Hancock’s multimanager network. The dynamic discussion explores ideas advisors can use today to build their business while helping their clients pursue better investment outcomes.
HOSTED BY
Manulife John Hancock Investments
Loading similar podcasts...