UBS On-Air: Market Moves

Our conversation outlines the current landscape for fixed income investors, and where to locate opportunity within the asset class. We also touch on an outlook for monetary policy, rates and the macro environment. Featured are Adam Bloch, Portfolio Manager with Guggenheim Investments, and Leslie Falconio, Head of Taxable Fixed Income Strategy Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office.

The China-US summit concluded. Much increasingly scarce jet fuel has been burned to produce nothing of real substance. China’s President Xi declared an agreement to keep trade ties stable. The two sides were unlikely to agree to anything different (no one would announce unstable trade ties). Stability is not a word that is normally associated with US trade policy over the past 15 months, lessening the statement’s value.

UK first quarter GDP was stronger than expected, led by the consumer. As elsewhere, consumers have reduced savings rates to afford higher oil prices. UK consumers can also adjust oil demand via flexible working and online retail. Politics is overshadowing economics, with a possible challenge to Prime Minister Starmer. Former deputy Labour leader Rayner was cleared of tax wrongdoing, increasing the chances of a challenge. However, any change of leadership is not likely to substantially change fiscal policy.

John Popp, Global Head and CIO, David Mechlin, Head of Liquid Credit, and Eileen Liu, Head of US Client Portfolio Management, discuss recent market developments within broadly syndicated loans, high yield bonds, and CLOs. Recorded on 04.22.2026

US April consumer price inflation was slightly higher than expected—but with of the data being guesswork, and rising fictitious owner’s equivalent rent, it is unwise to overemphasize that. The details do raise political concerns. Since US President Trump took office, coffee prices have risen 24%, beef over 19%, gasoline over 19%, and vegetables 10.5%. These are price increases that consumers notice and remember. Trump claimed not to think about Americans’ financial situation, but markets are betting the president does care (and policy decisions will reflect that).