UBS On-Air: Market Moves

As financial markets are back in full swing post the summer holidays, investors are weighing fresh inflation data, health of the labor market, rising oil prices, and a notable upcoming Fed policy meeting. Plus, recent concern over AI safety and implications to the AI trade. Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas from the UBS Chief Investments Office, discusses these factors, what it all means for the investment outlook, and how to think about positioning. Host: Daniel Cassidy

China's latest economic data showed a lackluster domestic economy. Retail sales slowed, and were weaker than expected. Domestic investment plunged more than expected. Industrial production is being supported by external demand and China's success in helping US customers avoid tariffs.

Marianna Mamou, Head of Advice Beyond Investing, sheds light on the evolving relationship between women investors and the wealth management industry. We discuss whether there is a need for a different approach when it comes to working with women investors, what to know about the next generation of women investors, and more. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The recently reported AI-assisted solution to the Navier–Stokes problem points to AI’s broadening role in frontier scientific research, raising the question of where faster discovery could translate into investment value. This episode explores how that progress could open new opportunities across healthcare, energy, and advanced materials, and reinforce the long-term investment themes of AI, power and resources, and longevity.

Political polarization is testing Europe’s established parties and confronting markets with the prospect of larger policy shifts. Germany’s regional elections have brought the growing influence of parties outside the traditional mainstream into focus, while France’s presidential election could shape the pace of future European integration. Why might fiscal spending fail to ease voter discontent, and how should investors respond to a less predictable political landscape? In the latest episode of Across the Pond, hosts Christopher Swann and Belinda Ulander are joined by UBS Global Chief Economist Paul Donovan to discuss the implications for European integration, fiscal policy, global trade, and portfolio diversification.

This week, Shane talks about recent developments surrounding Missouri’s redistricting efforts, recaps President Trump’s keynote address at GOP midterm convention, and reflects on the 25th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor, Governmental Affairs US. Host: Daniel Cassidy

It is a sad comment on the quality of communication by the US central bank that a single US consumer price inflation number can have so much sway over policy expectations. Single data points should not be relied on to this extent. If today’s data does not produce a US rate hike in September, disinflationary forces may keep rates on hold this year. If rates are raised, a second rate hike would probably follow.

The ECB is almost certain to repeat its earlier policy rate error and unnecessarily raise interest rates. There is unlikely to be any inflation or economic growth impact, but a further rate increase erodes borrowers’ ability to manage future economic crises. This should be the last error, unless oil prices get so high the ECB feels it needs to create a recession in the non-oil economy to create non-oil deflation.

Sunny Mehra, Consumer Strategist Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office, drops by to provide a health check on the US consumer, including a look a recent spending trends and overall sentiment. Sunny reflects on the 2026 back to school shopping season, and previews how retailers are preparing for the upcoming holidays. Plus, a look at positioning preferences across the US Consumer Discretionary and Staples sectors. Host: Daniel Cassidy

On this week’s episode, we catch up with Burkhard following his recent visit to Hamburg, Germany as he shares takeaways from meetings held with families and their family officers where they discussed family wealth, family governance and generational transfers. Burkhard also recites the poem “IF” and explains how the messaging relates to the art of investing.

China’s August consumer and producer price inflation was slightly higher. The suggestion is not that better demand is driving up prices, but that global inflation forces are being allowed to trickle into domestic pricing.

Kurt and Shane drop by to discuss the two of the most consequential policy questions of the 2025 mid-term election cycle - something old (Social Security), and something new (Artificial Intelligence). These two issues differ greatly in age and character, but voters in both parties share concerns about each. Featured are Kurt Reiman, Head of Fixed Income Americas from the UBS Chief Investment Office, and Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisors from Governmental Affairs US. Host Daniel Cassidy

China’s July trade data showed ongoing growth in exports—some of this reflects re-exporting. The gap between what China says it is selling to the US and what the US admits to buying from China has reached extraordinary levels. China’s market share of US non-oil imports is 13.2% (China export data) or 8.4% (US import data). This suggests China’s US customers have become adept at avoiding tariffs, supporting China’s export sector.

Markets’ responses to last Friday’s US employment report rebuke US monetary policy communication. The report showed strong payrolls growth, but unemployment rates drifted very slowly higher. The labor market is not creating accelerating wages. Market rate hike expectations increased, but the decision is still essentially a coin toss. With a clearly communicated framework for monetary policy, markets would not be plagued by such indecision.

With inflation and labor data providing a mixed picture on the Fed’s dual-mandate goals, the Fed faces a closely balanced decision between a rate hike and a hold. This episode explores what either outcome could mean for the yield curve, equity valuations, and portfolio positioning in an environment of uncertain policy outlook.

Shane drops by ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend to update on this week’s developments up on Capitol Hill, including Congressional efforts to keep the government funded, and progress on the Open-Source AI Leadership Act. Plus, an update on renewed military tensions between the US and Iran. Featured is Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor, Governmental Affairs US. Host: Daniel Cassidy

In the unnecessarily uncertain world of US monetary policy, we heard from Federal Reserve Governor Waller. Waller signaled a desire for unchanged policy, as disinflation forces seem to continue. If disinflation ceased, then Waller would reconsider. This is similar to New York Fed President Williams’ outlook. These two Fed members command more respect than some other Fed members, and their words moved markets.

Paul Baiocchi, Head of ETF Distribution with SS&C ALPS Advisors, drops by UBS Studios for a wide-ranging discussion around “the electrification of everything”, including a look at the opportunity-set, risk considerations, and how to think about investing in the theme. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The yen has been gyrating amidst speculation about intervention in the markets and the possibility of more aggressive action by the Bank of Japan. A Japanese market holiday looms. Intervention only changes a currency’s value if there is a speculative attack to defeat (there is not) or if fundamentals change. Interest rates are a relevant fundamental, but one of many.

While on a visit to Portugal, Burkhard drops by to highlight the factors that have contributed to the country’s economic success, and what investors should know. Burkhard also reflects on the Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole Economic Symposium speech last Friday, and how markets responded.

Crude oil prices continue to move higher amid ongoing fighting in the Gulf. US gasoline prices have not moved much higher, because they did not move much lower when crude oil prices fell. US President Trump’s seeming willingness to overlook record low approval ratings and the threat of losing the midterm elections is challenging markets’ optimism bias.

Following the recently announced historic oil agreement between the United States and Venezuela, there are many open questions around how and when a deal will ultimately come together, along with the implications to energy markets and global investors. Alejo Czerwonko, Chief Investment Officer for Emerging Markets from the UBS Chief Investment Office, provides some clarity around these questions, and background on this notable development. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Low level fighting in the Gulf war is keeping oil prices at a higher level. The United Arab Emirates (which was attacked by Iranian drones yesterday) suggested that this situation cannot be sustained. However, the longer this situation continues, the more it will alter economies in the region—with implications for post-war costs.

As the Congressional summer recess concludes and lawmakers return to Washington DC, there is no shortage of agenda items to address, in parallel to efforts on the campaign trail ahead of the US midterm elections in November. Shane Lieberman, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor from Governmental Affairs US, outlines the legislative priorities of Congress, along with shares what the latest polling is pointing to. Host: Daniel Cassidy

As we head towards the unofficial end of summer, markets continue to be supplied with ample news to digest - spanning policy developments out of the recent Jackson Hole Economic Symposium to key inflation and labor market datapoints on the horizon. Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation for the Americas from the UBS Chief Investments office, discusses these factors and what it all means for CIO’s investment outlook. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The US and Iran have been trading missile exchanges in the Gulf, pushing oil back over USD 90 per barrel. US President Trump posted a AI-generated video of Kharg Island being destroyed, but there appears to have been no attack in the Iranian facility and the muted nature of the hostilities has created a muted market response.

Advances in AI are beginning to move beyond digital tasks and into physical AI, raising the question of where value could accrue as machines become more adaptable in real-world environments. This episode explores how faster on-the-job learning could reshape automation, the hardware required to support it, and the investment implications across the emerging robotics supply chain.

Amidst the toasting of marshmallows at the Jackson Hole summer camp for economists, there are some hopes Federal Reserve Chair Warsh will offer a sensible structure for thinking about US monetary policy. Warsh’s communication style, telling investors “you figure it out”, is not working, creating uncertainty and introducing an unnecessary risk premium into financial markets.

AI data-center development is unlikely to stop, but the rules of engagement are changing. Local opposition, ratepayer concerns, and permitting scrutiny are shifting the debate from whether projects should be built to how costs, benefits, and community impacts should be allocated. Hear insights from Kurt Reiman, Head of Fixed Income Americas, Barry McAlinden, Fixed Income Strategist Americas, Jeannine Lennon, Municipal Strategist Americas, Jay Dobson, US Energy & Utilities Equity Strategist, and Nathaniel Gabriel, Materials & Industrials Equity Strategist: Host: Daniel Cassidy

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard reported that Iran and Oman have agreed to share revenues from tolls on shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz—once the strait reopens. The announcement stresses that Iran is likely to keep stricter control over the strait after the war, but investors expect that. The announcement does not, of itself, suggest an imminent reopening of the strait.

Higher interest rates and government finances have been in the spotlight over the past week, with investor attention focused on possible policy responses this week and beyond. Financial markets have been struck by these developments, though have remained resilient as the summer nears an end. Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas from the UBS Chief Investment Office, reflects on these developments and shares guidance around portfolio positioning. Host: Daniel Cassidy

Iran and Oman are close to agreeing on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. While this may not signal an immediate reopening of the strait, it does suggest Iran is considering reopening the strait. Crude oil prices have fallen (although gasoline prices in the US remain comfortably over USD 4 per US gallon).

This special edition of the CEO Macro Briefing Book presentation series outlines how businesses are embracing AI adoption, the implications of AI usage to operating efficiency, the evolving regulatory and political landscape surrounding AI heading into the US midterm elections, along with the factors behind the recent decline in token price. Featured is Paul Hsiao, Senior Asset Allocation Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Daniel Cassidy

The US affordability crisis stays in the headlines, with US President Trump suggesting a doubling of tariffs paid by US importers of Canadian cars. However, these tariffs would not take effect until 1 January and investors are likely to assume the US will retreat (this has been the pattern with similar threats).

The collapse of trade talks between Canada and the US resulted in US importers being charged tariffs on a further USD 20bn of imports. Import prices (where the tariff is levied) typically represent about 40% of the end-consumer price. These tariffs will be harder than others to avoid. China seems to have helped its US customers avoid or reduce tariffs by rerouting goods—that is not economically practical for Canada.

Jackson Hole puts the Federal Reserve’s policy trade-off into focus: a rate-sensitive housing market is under pressure, while AI investment remains exceptionally strong. This episode explores how AI-led growth may complicate inflation signals, and what that could mean for the policy outlook.

Join David Lefkowitz, Head of Equities Americas, each month for a look at the factors that are driving performance across US equities. We also cover risk considerations, thematic focuses, and positioning recommendations from the UBS Chief Investment Office (as outlined within the latest UBS House View). This month, David outlines the factors behind CIO’s S&P 500 price target increases, why the rollout of AI remains a key positive for the market, the implications of rising longer-term interest rates, risk factors such as inflation and the over-building of data centers, and more. Host: Daniel Cassidy

US Treasury Secretary Bessent declared the proposed Treasury buybacks could be four billion dollars. Bond investors seem to feel that four billion dollars is not terribly impressive. Yields rose—though a sense of proportion is helpful. This is hardly a repeat of the 1994 bond market collapse. What matters is whether the bond weakness has attracted US President Trump’s attention, triggering a policy response.

Matt drops by UBS Studios in New York to rejoin Jason for a wide-ranging conversation which spans the US macroeconomic environment, equity market performance, the AI capex cycle, Fed monetary policy, and market risk considerations. Plus, and exchange of views on portfolio positioning. Matt McLennan is Head of the Global Value Team, and a portfolio manager at First Eagle Investments, and is a member of the UBS Research Advisory Board. Jason Draho is Head of Asset Allocation Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office. Host: Edwin Marrero

The announcement that the US Treasury would “at least double” purchases of long-term US government bonds sparked a rally; 10-year yields fell to levels not seen for a whole week. Higher yields impact the US affordability crisis and debt service costs, making them a political focus. This policy is to counter the (presumably unintended) consequences for bond markets of other policies like the Gulf war and tariffs.

Tensions in the Gulf continue, and crude oil futures remain over USD 90 per barrel. This has reignited some inflation concerns. The fact that consumers have shifted spending patterns in response to higher oil prices is not properly reflected in inflation calculations—and while the impact will not be dramatic, it does mean that the damage to real incomes is slightly less than inflation data suggests.

This month’s episode focuses on investing through a social lens, bringing together experts from UBS Global Wealth Management and Community Capital Management. Community Capital Management specializes in fixed income investments that aim to advance positive societal outcomes and have been committed to this work since its founding in 1998. Featured are Melissa Amler and Tiffany Agard from the Sustainable & Impact Investing team at UBS Global Wealth Management, along with David Sand, Co-Chief Impact Strategist at Community Capital Management.

The Brent benchmark oil future is back above USD 90 per barrel. The US-Iran truce covered by the “memorandum of understanding” expired yesterday and US President Trump said there is no intention to extend it. Trump also threatened to bomb Oman (again). From an investor perspective, none of this changes the current situation—Iran keeps the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed—but markets’ optimism bias is undermined by the near-term outlook.

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.