The Federal Reserve cut interest rates last week, but it also increased its forecast for 2026 GDP, from 1.9% to 2.1%, hardly a rate that would necessitate a long string of further cuts. Multiple forces are pulling the economy in different directions, so the 10-year treasury yield will likely continue to move in the same wide band it’s been in since 2023. Recent local elections have tilted strongly in favour of Democrats, and Trump’s approval ratings are low. It is possible next year’s mid-term elections go strongly in the Democrats’ favour, and the administration has less power than it does now. With economically-sensitive stock market indices like mid and small caps, the Dow Jones Industrials and the S&P 500 equal-weighted index all breaking to new highs, it’s difficult to be pessimistic.This episode is presented by Mark Matthews, Head of Research Asia at Julius Baer.
Chinese equities are entering 2026 on a strong footing, with policy tailwinds from the upcoming Five-Year Plan expected to sustain momentum despite recent consolidation. While tech-led rallies have dominated, attention is shifting toward domestic consumption as policymakers prioritise demand-side reforms—a potential turnaround for lagging consumer sectors if stimulus materialises.Meanwhile, ongoing concerns over stretched valuations in US tech and AI names underscore the case for diversifying into non-US markets, such as China and Japan. Structural drivers, including a weaker U.S. dollar and gradual yuan appreciation, add to the appeal. On commodities, strong fundamentals and AI-driven demand for industrial metals signal further upside, building on this year’s broad-based rally in materials.This episode is presented by Richard Tang, Head of Research Hong Kong at Julius Baer and Hong Hao, Managing Partner and CIO of Lotus Asset Management Ltd.
As 2025 draws to a close, investors are reflecting on a year that tested their emotional discipline – from Liberation Day tariffs to geopolitical events that sent markets into turmoil. What separated those who thrived from those who struggled? In this episode of the Beyond Markets Podcast, Helen Freer sits down with Yves Klenk, Head of Client Coverage and Advisory at Julius Baer, to discuss what worked well and what worked less well this year, why resisting the urge to react emotionally was crucial, and what lies ahead for 2026. They explore the ongoing AI story and how to diversify exposure along the value chain, the case for reducing USD concentration, and why currencies like the Australian dollar and structured products deserve a closer look as investors position for the year ahead.(00:11) - Introduction (00:53) - The role of Client Coverage and Advisory (01:37) - What worked well in 2025 (03:28) - What didn't go according to plan (04:42) - Why 2025 was so tough to navigate (06:26) - Can the AI story continue in 2026? (08:56) - Reducing USD exposure without sacrificing yield (11:19) - Three levels of diversification (12:56) - How to deploy fresh capital now (14:49) - Closing remarks Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
ADP’s tally of 120,000 small firm job losses in November, and a decline in September Core PCE inflation, both help the case for a rate cut at the Fed’s meeting this Wednesday. On the markets front, Wall Street strategists are forecasting an average of 9% return for the S&P 500 index next year. Two technical indicators suggest an even larger return is probable.Meanwhile, it’s almost impossible to keep up with all that’s going on in the world of Artificial Intelligence, but what’s clear is the stock market favours AI adopters. Interestingly, the share prices of companies citing AI on Q3 conference calls have returned 14% on average year-to-date, vs. an average return of 6% for those that didn’t cite it.
Signs of a slowing economy, and speculation of a very dovish new Federal Reserve chairman in May 2026, are behind the futures market pricing in substantial rate cuts over the next year. Historically, substantially lower rates weaken the dollar and boost precious metals. Silver has made a new high and has formed what is arguably the most bullish technical pattern, William O’Neil’s “cup and handle” formation. On the technology front, Alphabet's low-cost semiconductors present unexpected competition for Nvidia. Things like that will determine the performance of technology companies’ share prices for the foreseeable future. Longer term, the “Holy Grail” that technology companies seek is Artificial General Intelligence - AI that thinks like a human. Its impact to humanity could be very beneficial, or deeply detrimental.
Japan is undergoing a profound economic transformation under its first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, whose growth-focused "Sanaenomics" policy drives investment in critical areas such as infrastructure, tech and energy. After decades of deflation, inflation has reached 2.9%, supported by a robust 5% wage growth, boosting consumption and corporate earnings.In this episode, Ayako Lehmann speaks with Louis Chua, Asia equity research analyst at Julius Baer, about the investment landscape for Japan, against a backdrop of structural corporate reforms, strengthening earnings, and rising shareholder returns, and explores the opportunities and risks to watch ahead.(01:25) - What can we expect from Sanae Takaichi’s agenda? (02:25) - Japan’s shifting economic landscape (03:40) - Green shoots in Japan corporate reform (05:21) - Growing influence of activist investors (06:50) - Takeaways from Q3 earnings (08:39) - Diverging paths between small and large caps (10:17) - How does the weakening Yen impact Japanese businesses? (11:31) - Risks to watch (13:33) - Rising Japanese bond yields – a cause for concern? (15:07) - Are Japanese bonds finally attractive for international investors?
Just weeks after hawkish Federal Reserve commentary dimmed December rate cut hopes, new dovish comments from New York Fed President John Williams have boosted rate cut odds back to 63%. With policymakers seemingly divided, a tied vote on the December 10 FOMC meeting – unprecedented in its history – remains possible.Markets remain uneasy in the meantime, with concerns on high AI spending and a Bitcoin bear market weighing on sentiment. Technical signals add to the unease with the S&P 500 and tech sector indices showing signs of a “head and shoulders” pattern, a bearish sign. Additionally, a leaked draft of President Trump’s Ukraine peace plan indicates the unfreezing of some Russian financial assets confiscated by the west, potentially implicating gold demand.This episode is presented by Mark Matthews, Head of Research Asia at Julius Baer.
As markets evolve and the traditional 60/40 portfolio faces new challenges, are hedge funds becoming the next core allocation for resilient investing? In this episode of Beyond Markets, William Fong, Head of Alternatives Specialists at Julius Baer for Asia and the Middle East, speaks with Joe Dowling, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Blackstone Multi-Asset Investing (BXMA), about how the endowment model is reshaping portfolio construction.Joe shares insights on why institutions have leaned heavily into alternatives, how multi-strategy hedge funds are delivering uncorrelated returns, and what private investors can learn from the playbook of elite endowments. From risk management to the “democratisation of alternatives”, this episode explores how hedge funds may just be part of the new 60/40 for long-term investors seeking durability and diversification.This episode was recorded on 28 October 2025.(00:10) - – The endowment model (03:24) - – Is it limited to institutional investors? (05:02) - – A typical allocation split (06:28) - – The importance of a long-term approach (07:16) - – Recent criticisms of the endowment model (09:03) - – Hedge funds: a bond substitute? (11:23) - – The rise of multi-strategy funds (13:24) - – How multi-strategy funds have performed throughout volatility (15:13) - – What to look for in a good multi-strategy fund (16:33) - – Absolute return vs index investing (18:33) - – Are multi-strategy funds getting too big? (20:17) - – Are single-manager, single-strategy funds still relevant? (21:32) - – Rebalancing – a critical element (22:44) - – Fund manager expertise, and the art of portfolio construction (27:01) - – Thoughts on private equity and infrastructure (31:33) - – An ivy league education? Or an alternatives portfolio?
Following hawkish commentary from six Federal Reserve presidents and promising indicators of October labour and consumer data, the market no longer expects a December rate cut. Meanwhile, recent technology stock performance suggests the market increasingly distinguishes between sustainable and speculative growth, and leverage. Over in Asia, China's stock market is supported by the country’s leadership in electrification, more exports of high-technology products and services, a slowly appreciating Renminbi, and governmental efforts to promote equity investment and corporate governance reforms. This episode is presented by Mark Matthews, Head of Research Asia at Julius Baer.
Gold has been on a wild ride lately — surging past USD 4,000 an ounce before tumbling in one of its biggest corrections in years. What’s really driving this volatility, and how are the narratives around gold evolving?Chris Irwin, Head of FX and Precious Metals Trading Asia, and Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research at Julius Baer, discuss the changing forces behind gold’s rally — from questions over the Fed’s independence and fears of dollar debasement to the role of central bank buying and China’s strategic accumulation. The conversation also touches on the outlook and trends for silver and the broader precious metals market.This episode was recorded on Nov 10, 2025.(00:22) - Narratives driving the gold market (02:25) - Dollar resilience or temporary pause? (03:55) - Mixed signals from the Fed (05:35) - Do geopolitics really matter for gold? (06:49) - Central bank buying and structural trends (09:55) - China’s gold strategy (12:55) - ETF flows: Conviction or speculation? (15:25) - Chinese regulatory changes, and impact on precious metals landscape (17:27) - Section 232 and silver (20:45) - Is the mythical $50 level in silver still in play? (21:25) - Outlook and key takeaways
The University of Michigan’s November consumer sentiment survey, and October private sector job cuts tracked by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, have raised concerns the US economy may be entering a recession. But data from ADP, state-level initial jobless claims, and the Chicago Fed’s unemployment estimate, all paint a picture of a healthy economy. A closer look at the Challenger data, however, suggests the reason for job cuts is Artificial Intelligence. While AI might be able to displace humans in technology companies, it is unlikely to replace workers in many other sectors anytime soon. Still, it is clear labour is a primary worry in the market.
The recent conclusion of China’s Fourth Plenum has shed light on the strategic direction of the 15th Five-Year Plan, highlighting key priorities such as boosting domestic consumption, advancing technological self-reliance, and expanding into new export markets. Following the Plenum, Chinese President Xi also met with US President Trump in South Korea, reaching a mutual agreement to pause key trade escalations for a year. What do these developments mean for the future of US-China relations, and can Chinese markets continue its bull run in 2026? This episode is presented by Richard Tang, Head of Research Hong Kong at Julius Baer and Hong Hao, Managing Partner and CIO of Lotus Asset Management Ltd.
Q3 US corporate earnings continue to report strong, with S&P 500 profits on track for 12% year-on-year growth and widespread beats on sales and margins. However, despite robust fundamentals, stocks reacting to positive reports have underperformed historically, weighed down by already-bullish investor positioning. An inverted put-call skew in the “Magnificent 7” suggests elevated optimism, often followed by short-term pullbacks. Meanwhile, fears of AI-fuelled overinvestment in tech appear overstated: while capital expenditure is rising, it remains modest as a share of revenue, free cash flow, and GDP. Looking at China, policy direction after the Fourth Plenum supports continued advancement in AI, semiconductors, and robotics, while the recent Xi-Trump meeting offers temporary relief on trade tensions. Though near-term consolidation is possible, structural drivers keep China tech and equities attractive for diversified portfolios.
October was a busy month for those involved in FX transactions and the vagaries of the precious metals markets. With the US Federal Reserve having started to lower rates and continuing expectations of a weakening dollar, how are investors positioning themselves as they head towards year end? In this episode of the Beyond Markets Podcast, Bernadette Anderko sits down with Tim Gagie, Head of FX and Precious Metals Sales at Julius Baer Geneva to discuss the challenges involved in reducing dollar exposure, what alternatives look interesting and of course, the explosive performance of gold in 2025 and how volatility is providing investors with interesting opportunities.(00:11) - Introduction (01:22) - Adjusting to further dollar weakness (02:31) - Is anyone actually selling the dollar? (03:27) - USD alternatives being investigated (04:30) - Emerging market currencies (05:56) - The situation in silver and gold (07:38) - What’s the key takeaway? (08:20) - Closing remarks For a general overview of how currency markets work, refer to our previous episode from July 2022 with Tim, titled ‘Currency matters’: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/currency-matters/id1552236298?i=1000568939307Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
87% of the S&P 500 index companies that have reported their Q3 earnings thus far have beaten consensus forecasts - significantly higher than the 10-year average beat rate of 75%. Earnings growth is running at 9.2% year/year, vs. 7.9% that analysts had estimated prior to the start of the reporting season. The NASDAQ 100 index is also on track to post 7 consecutive months of gains. In each of the four times this had happened before, returns in the 12 months that followed were double-digit, averaging 17.5%. This episode is presented by Mark Matthews, Head of Research Asia at Julius Baer.
Recent bankruptcies of companies that accessed the private debt market are a reminder that manager selection is of the utmost importance. The real acid test for the private debt market will be the next recession, although there are no signs of one on the horizon. Still, the labour market is changing, and we look for a rate cut at the Fed’s next meeting on October 29, followed by another three by March. Alibaba claims to have invented a computing pooling solution that reduces the number of Nvidia GPUs needed to serve its AI models by 82%. An index of Hong Kong residential property infers prices are up 6% this month. This episode is presented by Mark Matthews, Head of Research Asia at Julius Baer.
For the first time in five years, emerging market equities are outperforming their developed market peers. But what’s driving this rally? Interestingly enough, this boom is driven by a rather small number of stocks, mainly located in North Asia.In this episode of the Beyond Markets podcast, Nenad Dinic, Emerging Market Equity Strategist and Manuel Villegas, Next Generation Research Analyst, discuss with Ayako Lehmann why emerging market equities are having this strong run, to what extent developed markets are highly dependent on AI components coming from Asia and whether the usual commodities and macro factors that used to be the key drivers of EM equities have lost their importance or not and what this all means when it comes to diversifying a global portfolio.(00:11) - Introduction (00:54) - What drove past emerging markets equity rallies? (01:48) - What exactly has changed now? (03:02) - Is Asia matching the U.S. AI boom? (05:36) - Will Asia soon lead AI markets? (08:16) - Where is the U.S. & China story going? (11:07) - Will the shift in EM from commodities to tech remain? (16:12) - Is portfolio diversification with EM still relevant? (21:40) - Do we remain constructive on AI globally? (24:40) - Closing remarks Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
As the third-quarter equity earnings season begins, we anticipate broadly supportive results, with a strong focus on the ongoing AI investment cycle and commentary from the hyperscalers. While revenue generation will be a key theme heading into 2026, significant execution risks remain despite the expansive opportunity set. Amid growing policy uncertainties in the United States, investors may find merit in diversifying portions of their equity exposure away from the US toward other markets, such as China, Switzerland, India, and Japan, where policy settings appear more favourable. In fixed income, listed corporate credit continues to look attractive, supported by tightening spreads and limited new supply. This episode is presented by Bhaskar Laxminarayan, Chief Investment Officer Asia and Middle East at Julius Baer.
Golden Week has just wrapped, offering a timely snapshot of China’s consumer sentiment. Travel volumes surged, but spending data remained subdued, highlighting the limits of short-term stimulus and reinforcing calls for deeper structural reform.Amidst this backdrop, China’s stock market continues to rally, prompting fresh questions: Can momentum broaden beyond tech? Will long-awaited social reforms finally shift the consumption narrative? And what does a weakening US dollar mean for global asset allocation?Richard Tang, Head of Research Hong Kong at Julius Baer, and Hong Hao, Managing Partner and CIO of Lotus Asset Management Ltd., return to unpack the macro forces behind the rally, the outlook for the 15th Five-Year Plan, and why gold and silver are stealing the spotlight in 2025.This episode was recorded on 8 October 2025.
Despite uncertainty around the US government shutdown and signs of economic weakness, equities have rallied, though tech stocks paused as AI enthusiasm met valuation concerns. With non-farm payroll data delayed, investors are turning to private sector indicators for labour market insights. Meanwhile, in Japan, Sanae Takaichi’s surprise win as Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader signals a potential return to expansionary “Sanaenomics”, a policy stance reminiscent of Abenomics, boosting equities and pressuring the yen. Tune in for a deep dive into the macro shifts shaping markets this week.This episode is presented by Magdalene Teo, Head of Fixed Income Research Asia, Julius Baer.